tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84611377495020028852024-03-13T19:19:44.720-07:00Hickey's House of HorrorsHickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.comBlogger308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-82227591585859828302024-01-03T13:09:00.000-08:002024-01-03T13:12:42.959-08:00SLASHER HOUSE 3: REBOOTED (2024)<p>Regular HHoH readers will certainly be familiar with my love for <a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/">Mycho</a>, the independent cinematic slasher universe created by microbudget maestro MJ Dixon.</p><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Originally launched with 2012's Slasher House, which saw the enigmatic Red battle her way through a facility filled with diabolical murderers, the ever-expanding universe fleshed out the backstory of her monstrous foes, leading to phase 2's quite fantastic <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2017/01/raw-review-slasher-house-ii.html">Slasher House II</a></i>, which further expanded on Red's story and her ongoing battle with her monstrous father.</span><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Now, with a veritable rogue's gallery of villains that would make Batman balk hot on Red's tail, and the bitter struggle between vengeful daughter and demonic parent as personal as ever, we come to the grand finale, Mychoverse's own Endgame...<br /><br />Ahead of its premiere at the 2024 Horror-On-Sea Festival, Dixon and co offered me a chance to look at a movie I've been eagerly anticipating for more than a decade.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />Could Mycho really deliver the goods and offer a satisfying conclusion to one of indie horror's most impressive achievements?</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />Read on...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SLASHER HOUSE 3: REBOOTED</b> (2024)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8dCu7DXZvCo1COSdbnvY7lq3lw3M0bGJkt9FAqNO0ev5wEichbqQk1imc2lqNGMgtfRSGvGNC5nGsh659Utr9Y4VEfUoqrpm7_88hga5hQwWLZApRofZ_NDI2iPbApfFa9u64PxMVKNbk9BQB2cbfndqeW_8UB_-hS6xC2ZQvIH-8FcSrZywwnyxXI3M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8dCu7DXZvCo1COSdbnvY7lq3lw3M0bGJkt9FAqNO0ev5wEichbqQk1imc2lqNGMgtfRSGvGNC5nGsh659Utr9Y4VEfUoqrpm7_88hga5hQwWLZApRofZ_NDI2iPbApfFa9u64PxMVKNbk9BQB2cbfndqeW_8UB_-hS6xC2ZQvIH-8FcSrZywwnyxXI3M" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Dir: </b>MJ Dixon<br /><br /><b>Stars:</b> Redd Nicholson, Carly Halse, Paris Rivers, Luna Wolf, Grant Kempster, Cy Henty, Lewis Cooper, Adam Lezemore, Richard Fysh, Eileen Daly, Pauline Peart, Nicholas Vince, Dani Thompson, Martin W Payne, William Marshall, Sam Cullingworth, Matthew Baunsgard, Tony Mardon, Dean Sills, Peter Mahoney, Adam Dillon, Will Metheringham, Tiana Rogers, Lara Davis, Joe O'Connor, Wellington Grosvenor, David Hon Ma Chu, Paul Rogers, Jack Glanville, Michael Higham, MJ Dixon, Anna Dixon, Aaron Jackson, Haider Abdullah, Mark Smith, Natalie Chisholm, Moray Binfield<br /><br /><br /><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </b>I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.<br /><br />Finally, killer of killers Red (newcomer to the series Nicholson) is at the heart of the shadowy H.E.X.A.G.O.N's base of operations and she is given a first-hand view of the endgame her sinister father (Kempster) has been working towards for years... along with a shocking reveal about the nature of the Slasher House.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">After reuniting with treacherous former comrade Luse (Halse) and crossing paths with the Thorn series' Eric (Rivers) - who has infiltrated H.E.X.A.G.O.N on his own mission of revenge - Red finds herself hunted by a new wave of cybernetically enhanced maniacal murderers, led by the psychotic Burny Man (Henty) as she herself moves towards her inevitable final confrontation with the Crimson Demon.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This is it everyone...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHj_UUU06R68set9rNjiKq2Ta52GXXRX3Fs2FtWAWbpKA8coB9157BJAzK_Z2ltG4_369hIMxOKZ6tGspwM8zKxBMnb7RWFIbuGcyxVeuAsOu4intW00EEBo_X-jnsbEStOd1A10QFu8LuD3LbTtqxWTkxM2dMVaY5_ExJNOVOwa5GHVx0fMNl3iIv-uc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHj_UUU06R68set9rNjiKq2Ta52GXXRX3Fs2FtWAWbpKA8coB9157BJAzK_Z2ltG4_369hIMxOKZ6tGspwM8zKxBMnb7RWFIbuGcyxVeuAsOu4intW00EEBo_X-jnsbEStOd1A10QFu8LuD3LbTtqxWTkxM2dMVaY5_ExJNOVOwa5GHVx0fMNl3iIv-uc" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>Well, where to begin? After more than a decade, the story started in <i>Slasher House</i> reaches its conclusion. Along the way, Mycho has produced nine movies and numerous short films in this franchise, and now MJ Dixon has tasked himself with tying all of this content up into one neat little bow. </span>It's an impressive task to undertake... and even more impressive that he has managed to pull it off!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/slasher-house-iii.html"><i>Slasher House 3</i></a> is tightly plotted, with barely an ounce of fat on its lean mean runtime, and the various threads that have been produced along the way are cleverly interwoven. There a plenty of fan-pleasing moments involving this cinematic universe's most popular inhabitant, so bravo for giving those long-term followers exactly what they want!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's difficult to discuss the plot of the movie at risk of sharing spoilers, but suffice it to say that even after all this time, the Mycho gang are able to pull off some impressive surprises. There were moments that prompted gasps and plenty of smiles along the way. If this is to be the end of Red's story (and of course, I can't possibly comment either way) she's going out with a bang.</div><div><br /></div><div>As well as the clever twists and turns, Dixon's script also features all of the imagination I've come to expect from a Mycho flick. The new villains (and there are plenty) are quite excellent, with several crying out for their own spin-off movies much like their predecessors Thorn and Cleaver have spawned. Ranging from clever homages to iconic horror monsters of yesteryear to new and frightening creations, the rogue's gallery in this movie is one that gives Mycho plenty of fresh and interesting directions in which to go in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>The script also features a whole lot of action and the series' trademark wry humour. The wisecracks come thick and fast, with special mention going to the fourth-wall-breaking Prankster who is consistently hilarious throughout. The movie is also pretty much a steady series of escalating fight scenes and they never fail to deliver. Whether it be Red vs H.E.X.A.G.O.N's heavily armed goons or maniacal monster-on-monster smackdowns, these action set pieces are always fun, thrilling, and shot perfectly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've often praised Mycho's clever way of working around their budgetary limitations, as well as Dixon's own striking visual style, and <i>Slasher House 3</i> is no exception. From the artful, Argento-esque colour palette to the clever use of quick cuts and framing, the movie looks like one with a budget far, far higher than the resourceful Mycho crew was able to work with. Well done to all involved!</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, a good-looking film can still fall flat if the audience doesn't care about the protagonists. Coming at the end of a string of films that have helped to flesh out these characters certainly doesn't hurt, but Dixon's clever script and dialogue ensure you are invested, as do the performers themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nicholson is the third actress to portray Red in as many movies, but she soon makes the role her own. She brings the toughness we come to expect of the character and adds some much-needed subtle vulnerability for the film's more emotional scenes in the final act. I was not familiar with her work before but I'm very much looking forward to seeing more of her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Halse also takes up a role previously inhabited by another actress, and she also excels. Hers is not a simple impersonation of what came before - she gives Luse plenty of personality, making her another character that lights up the screen in every scene.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've long been an admirer of Paris Rivers and his portrayal of Eric and I was delighted to see him getting a substantial role in this movie. He's likeable, charming, and very much somebody I hope to see continue working with Mycho.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, indie horror fans will be familiar with Luna Wolf, who makes up the final component of the Mychoverse's new 'Core four'. She has decidedly less screen time here than in the previous Slasher House movie, but her role here is more complex and shows a considerable amount of range. Needless to say, she smashes it once again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other returning faces include a host of Mycho stalwarts such as Payne, and Marshall, all of whom are as reliable and fun to watch as ever. Well done gang, your hard work has not gone overlooked here.</div><div><br /></div><div>The newcomers to the series also impress, with special credit for Henty's deranged Burny Man. He is menacing, yet somehow even sympathetic, oozing a palpable menace that makes his every scene a real thrill. Impressive indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere the Prankster, as brought to life physically by Lezemore and voiced with droll relish by Fysh is a consistent scene stealer. The recurring jokes about a Slaypril Fool's Day movie from Mycho are a long-running source of amusement, but can we please, please, get one now? Pretty please?</div><div><br /></div><div>Equally impressive in this movie is the shockingly good special effects. Low-budget indie horror often suffers in this regard, as realistic gore and paranormal activity rarely come cheap. Somehow Dixon and his crew have given us some seriously nifty practical effects, and a couple of exceptional CG moments, especially those involving the stupendously creepy Mirror Man. There's one spin-off I'm dying to see.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHQZOtP1bu8MDysTk9XAc0qQRvVs_4urae2QzgvFEotQ9734hquVyThcs3Nv-rzzQ4b3zh8Apz3VXxezHzd6aT2TpEnsmXC4w4lLy9S-A9lJaKYJpqgewC6Efwo7OZQDSGvTicR4khLZc6bxllTttKVqqfpuKoz9hSwxv1THqk7Gr68Zj0xEcAAneUVwM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHQZOtP1bu8MDysTk9XAc0qQRvVs_4urae2QzgvFEotQ9734hquVyThcs3Nv-rzzQ4b3zh8Apz3VXxezHzd6aT2TpEnsmXC4w4lLy9S-A9lJaKYJpqgewC6Efwo7OZQDSGvTicR4khLZc6bxllTttKVqqfpuKoz9hSwxv1THqk7Gr68Zj0xEcAAneUVwM" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> I'll open with my usual caveat when reviewing indie horror - as impressive as <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11078340/">Slasher House 3</a></i> is, it was very much created using a far smaller budget than your typical big studio (or even small studio) Hollywood horror movie.<br /><br /><i>Slasher House 3 </i>really does<i> </i>look quite spectacular for a film with such humble resources - but it is still a low-budget film. This means that at times it can become a little rough around the edges. Please do adjust your expectations accordingly- it’s very much worth it.<br /><br />Perhaps one criticism that could be leveled at the Mycho crew is that, if anything, the movie may have been too ambitious an undertaking. With production derailed by the COVID pandemic and a heinous robbery, Dixon et al have made no secret of the challenges they faced creating the movie. For the most part, I think these challenges were overcome with the typical ingenuity you might expect from this group of filmmakers.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">However, there are a couple of rougher looking moments (perhaps caused by having to resource costumes that were stolen and recast roles following sudden departures from the production), but thankfully these are few and far between.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">On a related note, as much as I admire the dedication to providing such a huge rogue's gallery for this movie, sadly it feels like several get short shrift in terms of screen time. Of course, if budget and time were no issue I'm sure we'd have got an epic two-part finale a la Infinity War/Endgame, but this is not the case. It means that some of the more familiar faces are reduced to extended cameos with an understandable focus on the Core Four, Harley, and the new faces. Ultimately I suppose this is a testimony to the longevity and enduring popularity of Dixon’s characters - I wanted even more!</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilfZ6Z8FzJbdp69OLuWnZXLwprrrD6c3V8cVE_gE1kRV5AE4LEuae7k4vTyBDDWHkDy3AJ6Wwvniil545RONep8x_t_i-wdncH4owpkL8Fv8_QaEwvBkAI_yvhuQQJdEfnfPP2gl9bqm08SD7hSEypqFqXCyaXPvK4kkRXWl__Xfqd5m_U-rhZWWaEDdY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilfZ6Z8FzJbdp69OLuWnZXLwprrrD6c3V8cVE_gE1kRV5AE4LEuae7k4vTyBDDWHkDy3AJ6Wwvniil545RONep8x_t_i-wdncH4owpkL8Fv8_QaEwvBkAI_yvhuQQJdEfnfPP2gl9bqm08SD7hSEypqFqXCyaXPvK4kkRXWl__Xfqd5m_U-rhZWWaEDdY" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>THE VERDICT: </b>Year after year Mycho have provided thrilling, fun, horror movies that I have gladly endorsed to you, the readers of HHoH.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Sadly, there comes a day when every streak, no matter how great, comes to an end.<br /><br />Today is not that day.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Slasher House 3</i> was everything I wanted from the concluding chapter of what, no matter how you look it, is a legitimately impressive feat of Indie filmmaking and a thrilling final chapter/new beginning for this homegrown cinematic.<br /><br />Yes, I listed some minor faults, but ultimately the film is simply exceptional. This is a shining example of what ingenuity, passion, and sheer daring can achieve on film. Put simply, it's a bona fide UK indie horror classic that deserves to be applauded.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Congratulations MJ, Anna, and everyone else involved in every step of the creation of not just Slasher House 3, but each and every other Mycho movie along the way to this point. You did it. Be proud.<br /><br /><i>Slasher House 3</i> will premiere at Horror on Sea on 21 January. You can buy tickets for the event <a href="https://www.horror-on-sea.com/product-page/slasher-house-3-rebooted-sunday-21-jan-15-00">here</a>.<br /><br />In the meantime, why not read more about the movie at its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/slasherhouse">official Facebook page</a>. Or better yet, hit up the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mycho">Mycho Patreon</a> and help them create more quality indie horror.<br /><br />If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page</a>, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors<br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div></div>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-67134378272650726172021-03-07T10:46:00.001-08:002021-03-07T10:46:25.132-08:00SHARP SHOCK SHORT: THE THINNING VEIL<p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's no secret that I'm a big fan of UK independent filmmakers Mycho. I've reviewed each of the micro-budget auteurs' offerings from 2017's <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2017/01/raw-review-slasher-house-ii.html" target="_blank">Slasher House II</a></i>, by way of <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2017/11/raw-review-mask-of-thorn.html" target="_blank">Mask Of Thorn</a></i>, via </span><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-bannister-dollhouse.html" target="_blank">The Haunting Of Molly Bannister</a></i><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-bannister-dollhouse.html" target="_blank"> </a></i><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-bannister-dollhouse.html" target="_blank">(AKA ) </a></i><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-bannister-dollhouse.html" target="_blank">B</a></i><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-bannister-dollhouse.html" target="_blank">annister Dollhouse </a></i><span style="font-family: arial;">and </span><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-cleavers-killer-clowns.html" style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Cleavers: Killer Clowns</a><i style="font-family: arial;"> </i><span style="font-family: arial;">right up to the studio's most recent effort Pandamonium, and I have praised each and every one along the way.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Sadly, the real-world horrors of the last year put plans for the much anticipated third chapter in the Slasher House trilogy on hold, but that doesn't mean that Mycho supremos MJ and Anna Dixon have been sitting idle.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As contributors to their <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mycho/overview">Patreon</a> will know, they are still providing plenty of content, including some superb short horror films.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">These shorts are a regular treat from Mycho, and one of these, <i>The Thinning Veil</i>, has drawn plenty of attention from critics, including selection for several prestigious film festivals.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For good reason too, as I will soon explain.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>THE THINNING VEIL </b>(2019)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaUQCYHxCrkMzklHUr8gX61VKY-26JdFtUFp6qmfukX7oFuNtlqyoYM1CObCpRLjH_jA3GJpF9yjort8mSqccOMRQI8x__R0U2gLz0FMaxpOYDYANuBNdBh5Su5QNIHgJ7Pe1wqFDCCQ/s1600/1240095_420973638007657_1873267463_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdUxCvRWQ0LWYJABl-VknPMbc2sNJlIEu41g8aZDEEOmZnkgpcKOyYNwxtXn6sxwIROrRK5_m8p7gNkYFjRKfkB3gq8ObaIAwfShoOCEMvVJYGtGhjnBxgSl-nw-aiP9_SKXJ3T3WVLo/w400-h400/146530139_3571473766303017_3694519547560310049_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaUQCYHxCrkMzklHUr8gX61VKY-26JdFtUFp6qmfukX7oFuNtlqyoYM1CObCpRLjH_jA3GJpF9yjort8mSqccOMRQI8x__R0U2gLz0FMaxpOYDYANuBNdBh5Su5QNIHgJ7Pe1wqFDCCQ/s1600/1240095_420973638007657_1873267463_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaUQCYHxCrkMzklHUr8gX61VKY-26JdFtUFp6qmfukX7oFuNtlqyoYM1CObCpRLjH_jA3GJpF9yjort8mSqccOMRQI8x__R0U2gLz0FMaxpOYDYANuBNdBh5Su5QNIHgJ7Pe1wqFDCCQ/s1600/1240095_420973638007657_1873267463_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaUQCYHxCrkMzklHUr8gX61VKY-26JdFtUFp6qmfukX7oFuNtlqyoYM1CObCpRLjH_jA3GJpF9yjort8mSqccOMRQI8x__R0U2gLz0FMaxpOYDYANuBNdBh5Su5QNIHgJ7Pe1wqFDCCQ/s1600/1240095_420973638007657_1873267463_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Dir:</b> MJ Dixon</span></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Starring:</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"> Tatiana Ibba, Liza Keast</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS:</b> I'll try not to spoil too much here but read on at your own risk.</span><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Late one Halloween night, a lone woman, Roberta (Ibba) calls at the house of a medium, Madam Brenda (Keast) in search of answers.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Seen packing a handgun in her handbag before leaving her car, Roberta is desperate to locate a missing item and clearly means business, and as Brenda lays a piece of lace across the floor, chants 'Who do you want me to be?' and consults tarot cards, we soon realise that she has come to the right place.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As the voices of trick-or-treaters are heard having fun under the cold October night sky, Brenda explains that Halloween is the time at which the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest and, if you wish to contact one of the dearly departed, this is the night to do so.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">But the dead have some tricks of their own...</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1edAttXp28g76_IT2wWs-M4i-y-qrGNHWsnmwhzjZ9ffRbRBZ62t6xvPssY8qk47afsyKYaenaBKb9hs4zY0XZh4MFr4F_7XsWQ0c_eFbLLDBDzKGBR1ChhmSE0TN6FgI1RH8Rdy9tI/s887/MV5BZjAxNWU1ZjYtYmQ2ZS00MjM4LWI0MjgtODkzZjViOWUyNWZiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjA0Nzc4NDE%2540._V1_SY500_CR0%252C0%252C887%252C500_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="887" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1edAttXp28g76_IT2wWs-M4i-y-qrGNHWsnmwhzjZ9ffRbRBZ62t6xvPssY8qk47afsyKYaenaBKb9hs4zY0XZh4MFr4F_7XsWQ0c_eFbLLDBDzKGBR1ChhmSE0TN6FgI1RH8Rdy9tI/w400-h225/MV5BZjAxNWU1ZjYtYmQ2ZS00MjM4LWI0MjgtODkzZjViOWUyNWZiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjA0Nzc4NDE%2540._V1_SY500_CR0%252C0%252C887%252C500_AL_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><b>WHY IT WORKS:</b> Halloween is a great time for horror fans and <a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/shorts.html"><i>The Thinning Veil</i></a> does a wonderful job of evoking the spirit of the season (excuse the pun) while delivering a sterling tale with a couple of deft twists and turns all in less than 10 minutes.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">I've expressed my admiration of the way in which director MJ Dixon uses a rich and stylised colour palette when shooting his films, and this is no different, shot with deep blues and rich oranges. It's touches like these that elevate Mycho's output far beyond its humble resources. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Dixon's film looks fantastic while never drawing the focus from his two splendid leading ladies.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Essentially a two-person cast, the film relies heavily on Ibba and Keast delivering, and, thankfully, both do so with ease.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Ibba will be familiar to fans of Mycho's fun comedy/slasher hybrid, Pandamonium. She's excellent here, showing a tough edge but still portraying the essential vulnerability to make the story work. It's an assured and confident performance of a complex role and one that has me eager to see what she and Dixon can achieve together should they collaborate again in the future</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ibba is undoubtedly very, very good, and co-star Keast is simply fantastic. Madam Brenda is a wonderful character (and one I'd love to see more of in the extended Mychoverse). Having worked with Dixon before on both Slasher House II and The Haunting Of Molly Bannister, the director clearly trusts her, and with good reason. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Keast imbues the character with gentle down-to-earth warmth and a creepy otherworldliness in equal measure. It's a joy to watch her character's impressive arc in a mere nine minutes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Both actresses provide really nuanced performances, which is essential to telling Dixon's story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">On the surface, <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9794753/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm" target="_blank">The Thinning Veil</a></i> may appear to be a simple and rather traditional ghost story (I shan't discuss the exact details of the story so as to avoid spoiling your viewing experience) however, it does such a wonderful job of hiding that fact until the moment the trap snaps shut that it feels like so much more.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Furthermore, the subtle touches throughout, especially with regards to Madam Brenda's summoning ritual make for some brilliant world-building, suggesting there are plenty more fascinating stories for the character to be told if Dixon ever wants to return to The Thinning Veil.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, the purpose of horror is to scare, to shock and frighten, and I'm delighted to say that this short contains quite possibly the most chilling shot Dixon has ever produced. It raised hairs on the back of my neck and I can imagine it would be amazing to behold on a large screen, should you get the opportunity to do. Blood-curdling stuff!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">In short, this indie gem is a brilliant and spine-chilling ode to Halloween and an absolute must-see.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIOOzib_lFSEN9o8qeN6pGut-Aqmvw9PIJFUiTjZHDTaXap3sjKjN4ridnui2oY4CZbQHaRBxUDJ75DNQRgG534xc7DE9SUrTyWuAXsvNe6yyQ7FEUmTkXVjut_3i5GgFdsCNXMrynqU/s299/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIOOzib_lFSEN9o8qeN6pGut-Aqmvw9PIJFUiTjZHDTaXap3sjKjN4ridnui2oY4CZbQHaRBxUDJ75DNQRgG534xc7DE9SUrTyWuAXsvNe6yyQ7FEUmTkXVjut_3i5GgFdsCNXMrynqU/w400-h225/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>SO WHERE'S IT AT? </b>The film has been selected for several film festivals and is available to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mycho/overview" target="_blank">Mycho's Patreon</a> patrons. Until then you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ6WxozaF_Q">check out the trailer for the short right here</a> or read more about it at Mycho's official website </span></span><a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/"><span style="font-family: arial;">https://mycho.weebly.com/</span></a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>10 WORD WRAP-UP:</b> Atmospheric UK indie short provides some excellent twists and chills</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors<br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-28455801074290758182020-01-26T14:25:00.002-08:002020-01-26T14:36:49.093-08:00RAW REVIEW: A NUN'S CURSE<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those of you who were reading this blog way back in 2014 may remember my review of Tommy Faircloth’s</span><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2014/11/scary-cinematic-snapshot-dorchesters.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>Dorchester’s Revenge: The Return Of Crinoline Head</i></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (which was subsequently retitled <i>Dollface</i> for those of you keeping score).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a brilliant slasher flick with gore, humour and some serious style, and it promptly made me a fan of Faircloth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went on to review his extremely cool short, <a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2015/01/raw-review-cabin.html"><i>The Cabin</i></a>, and then his chilling supernatural flick <a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2016/10/raw-review-family-possessions.html"><i>Family Possessions</i></a>, all of which received glowing reviews here at The House.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The start of a new decade comes with a new movie from Horsecreek Productions - <i>A Nun’s Curse</i>, and I was kindly asked to review it ahead of release.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would this prove hits are becoming a habit for Faircloth? Or would this sister act be one to miss?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A NUN’S CURSE</b> (2019)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6gUscMnSaEM21ylZ7fm6tr7SH-R23Mzxn9AbbjJmi_ysxdS1EqNwTZSbA0JHveC_qviC-NRusgmxELVEpU9zGJkRgU8OPzFHrzNc3Y62t5GDkqxfAawZKFeZvLXCRddouGHFTwhfX9Q/s1600/68542900_443753229801684_632125671648264192_n.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6gUscMnSaEM21ylZ7fm6tr7SH-R23Mzxn9AbbjJmi_ysxdS1EqNwTZSbA0JHveC_qviC-NRusgmxELVEpU9zGJkRgU8OPzFHrzNc3Y62t5GDkqxfAawZKFeZvLXCRddouGHFTwhfX9Q/s400/68542900_443753229801684_632125671648264192_n.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dir: </b>Tommy Faircloth</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starring: </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Felissa Rose, Erika Edwards, Kristi Ray, Damian Maffei, Gunner Willis</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS:</b> I’ll try not to spoil too much here but read on at your own risk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A group of four fun-loving youngsters on a road trip take a ghoulish detour when timid budding photographer Ashley-Kae, (Edwards) asks that they stop at an atmospheric burnt down church to capture some snaps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strolling deep into the woods, it emerges that Ashley-Kae has been haunted by nightmares of a malevolent nun since childhood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When horny asshole Anthony (Maffei) reveals that he has lost the keys to their car, he, Ashley-Kae, her spoilt princess sister Gabby (Ray), and loveable geek Michael (Willis) are forced to take shelter in a grim, dilapidated abandoned prison.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this is not just any abandoned prison - it is the former stomping ground of Sister Monday (Rose) - a murderous nun who used her position to punish the sinners incarcerated within.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, while the youngsters bicker as relationship revelations come to light, they are unaware that the tales of the sinister sister may be more than just legend...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gaskJPdLJgvXUuOWdqo4d-8zE2necMzETwfsdO9MOCM8PZ4ET77dyimOHNLKMn4ORXRUHODlm8nJYQ29STq3YdcEPs8UD1DqsMBigGS-o5mZf9sk9DylXAZB89XQsyi-JgvAZau8B4c/s1600/58779130_385992822244392_8494121873150312448_n.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gaskJPdLJgvXUuOWdqo4d-8zE2necMzETwfsdO9MOCM8PZ4ET77dyimOHNLKMn4ORXRUHODlm8nJYQ29STq3YdcEPs8UD1DqsMBigGS-o5mZf9sk9DylXAZB89XQsyi-JgvAZau8B4c/s400/58779130_385992822244392_8494121873150312448_n.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> While <a href="http://www.horsecreekproductions.net/?fbclid=IwAR2AVPpOcEiyNrDbzy9UwuSdpHGv7vtru1qxspiWVjP1HLgkBWJ2nrhEB0c"><i>A Nun’s Curse</i></a> may not have the sort of colossal budget you might expect of a big studio genre movie, this is no cheap-looking indie flick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A Nun’s Curse </i>drips atmosphere from every frame and makes the most of some fantastic locations. Director Faircloth has always shown a keen eye for striking shots and this could well be his best-looking movie to date. The sequence within the ruins of the church looks stunning, while the dank, shadowy interiors of the prison make for a suitably chilling setting for the sequences featuring the diabolical Sister Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It certainly helps that the always fantastic Rose is the one wearing the habit and wimple. Genre icon Rose plays the nun with an icy malevolence, and makes the very best of her limited screen time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And she is far from the only cast-member to impress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edwards stood out as a talent to watch in <i>Family Possessions</i> and she is just as excellent here. Hers is a complex character, one that needs to combine both sympathetic and at times unnerving elements, and she delivers admirably.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Willis may also be recognisable to those familiar with Faircloth’s work after his appearance in <i>Dollface</i>. The nicest of the characters, his Michael is funny, and one you can’t help but root for. This is entirely down to his ability as an actor. I can’t wait to see more from him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maffei is making waves in the genre right now, having starred as the Man in the Mask in the criminally underrated sequel <i>The Strangers: Prey At Night</i>, and he shows why he has caught the eye of filmmakers with an assured, charismatic turn as Anthony. A character who would have been intensely unlikeable in lesser hands, Maffei injects just enough wit into the performance to make his performance shine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The same can be said of <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2014/12/raw-review-pieces-of-talent.html">Pieces of Talent</a></i>’s Ray, who provides plenty of laughs as bad girl Gabby. She’s a fine actress and one I look forward to seeing more from in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, it helps that the cast have such a strong script to work with. Faircloth has always written sparkling, witty dialogue and that continues here. There are plenty of strong gags without the onscreen conversation ever sounding unnatural. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faircloth’s writing ability is also obvious in the clever plot and, without wanting to give to much away, some defy zigzagging totally threw me when I thought I’d guessed how the movie was going to end. Bravo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, while the movie boasts wit and intelligence, it doesn’t forego the frights - or gore!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of decidedly messy kills will definitely satisfy the splatter fans out there (and rank among some of the most gruesome I have seen in a very long time) while top drawer make-up effects by Redhouse FX make the nightmare demon a legitimately unnerving creation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> In truth, there is very little with which to find fault in this genre gem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suppose it’s worth pointing out that while <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8426182/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1"><i>A Nun’s Curse</i></a> is an extremely impressive indie horror flick, it does not have the resources available to it that big-budget blockbusters such as the cinematic output of A24 or Blumhouse. It still looks great but do adjust your expectations accordingly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I mentioned earlier, I would have loved to see a little more of the always wonderful Felissa Rose. Still, what we get is quite fantastic, so I suppose it’s a testament to her and the Sister Monday character that I wanted more!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The small cast is great, and the fact that the core group is pretty tight means we get plenty of time to get to know them well and care about them. However, one downside to this is that it does limit the body count somewhat. We do get a couple of extra slayings in some cleverly used flashback sequences but those of you seeking death after death might be disappointed. However, rest assured that the ones you do get more than deliver!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo5u-3QAoGlJ0oDifOzWPffqL-ZoEvax4VfWUJMpFLmXJujPycn4gHAXj7yCHLBcDpGsIIsLgFQOvctr4s0T_SuGt4HQHT1GdQju4qH0gq8hoiRiifw2qgKMksUlw3Y5bwxIm4UVONC0/s1600/59203977_385992778911063_7633158200782487552_n.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo5u-3QAoGlJ0oDifOzWPffqL-ZoEvax4VfWUJMpFLmXJujPycn4gHAXj7yCHLBcDpGsIIsLgFQOvctr4s0T_SuGt4HQHT1GdQju4qH0gq8hoiRiifw2qgKMksUlw3Y5bwxIm4UVONC0/s400/59203977_385992778911063_7633158200782487552_n.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE VERDICT: </b>Make no bones about it, <i>A Nun’s Curse</i> is a genuinely great horror movie. Brilliantly combining elements of the supernatural, psychological and slasher sub-genres, it’s a resounding success. Mixing fun and frights with some soul and plenty of smarts, A <i>Nun’s Curse</i> is another hit under the very talented Tommy Faircloth’s belt. It comes highly, highly recommended.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A Nun’s Curse</i> will be released through Uncork’d Entertainment in June. Check it out then!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, why not read more about the movie at its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NunsCurse/">official Facebook page</a>. Be sure to give it a Like while you’re there, quality indie horror such as this deserves your support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page</a>, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-51862822565256822392019-12-19T04:14:00.001-08:002021-08-20T02:44:01.042-07:00RAW REVIEW: PANDAMONIUM (2020) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Long term readers of this blog will be all too aware of my love for <a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/">Mycho</a>, the independent cinematic universe helmed by the extremely talented MJ Dixon. <br /><br />With a whopping eight feature-length films already released, ranging from typical throwback slashers to psychological thrillers, from sci-if infused action flicks to supernatural chillers, the Mychoverse is a rich interconnected viewing experience. <br /><br />Now, ahead of its premiere at the 2020 Horror-On-Sea Festival, Dixon and co offered me a chance to look at their latest effort in yet another sub-genre. <br /><br /><i>Pandamonium</i> expands on the story of <i>Slasher House II</i>’s stripper hating, panda mask-wearing Jakob Jakushi - this time going the comedy-horror route. <br /><br />Would Dixon’s talents lend themselves to giggles as well as gore? <br /><br />Read on... <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PANDAMONIUM</b> (2020) </span><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3284Ty8aJdODgOqGgrEdnco4KPXu-G_a5onm-nc0OzeEYuc5fWDkEh6oM_9gTZN-zgdCLfl4mDttcEsDrNE2SsmehlM8j0YSkBLin5yfXyfmZCsI6qoNyX-tRv4Eu6lQrk4qvd5F3BU/s1600/pandamoniumposter4_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3284Ty8aJdODgOqGgrEdnco4KPXu-G_a5onm-nc0OzeEYuc5fWDkEh6oM_9gTZN-zgdCLfl4mDttcEsDrNE2SsmehlM8j0YSkBLin5yfXyfmZCsI6qoNyX-tRv4Eu6lQrk4qvd5F3BU/s400/pandamoniumposter4_orig.jpg" width="275" /></a><br /><br /><b>Dir: </b>MJ Dixon <br /><br /><b>Stars:</b> Oriana Charles, Will Jones, David Hon Ma Chu, James Hamer-Morton, Lee Mark Jones, Derek Nelson, William Marshall, Dani Thompson, Chloe Badham, Charlie Bond, Tatiana Ibba, Annie Knox, Nad Abdoolakhan, Martin W Payne, Pablo Raybould, Charlie Clarke, Susan Lee Burton <br /><br /><br /><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </b>I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk. <br /><br />Arielle (Charles) has landed an admin job at top law firm Killmore & Percival. However, rather than be overjoyed at her big break she comes to realise that she is now working with a group of hard-drinking, drug-using, sexist city boys, headed up by the truly obnoxious Damian Hook (Hamer-Morton). <br /><br />Forced to work late on her first day, she finds a sympathetic fellow new starter, Daniel (Jones) but things soon unravel when Damian and his cronies hire a team of strippers lead by tough as nails Jasmine (Thompson) - who lets slip a secret about Arielle’s past. <br /><br />However, the arrival of Jasmine and her crew spells trouble in more ways than one - they have drawn the attention of the notorious Stripper Ripper, panda-mask wearing Jakob Jakushi (Hon Ma Chu). Now with a prime selection of victims assembled in one place, Jakushi won’t rest until he has killed them all - and anybody who gets in his way. <br /><br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpf4t8yN1K46LNkpn2NlntX7LG1tMB1WS9OzWKJ2zpNnmg1zpKpGqOU9zNzQ1wu1y6gRBWX9yrFTxCKYuXdeGQDmSWadChgl9JmqcDxxGKDpn2ZrCIQP5Ac4L5un_NDcowU4MC-l61MU/s1600/59894966-863994877271366-9112271218706219008-n_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1100" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpf4t8yN1K46LNkpn2NlntX7LG1tMB1WS9OzWKJ2zpNnmg1zpKpGqOU9zNzQ1wu1y6gRBWX9yrFTxCKYuXdeGQDmSWadChgl9JmqcDxxGKDpn2ZrCIQP5Ac4L5un_NDcowU4MC-l61MU/s400/59894966-863994877271366-9112271218706219008-n_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>I’ve always been a fan of Mycho’s darker more serious films - as my glowing reviews of grim psychological thriller <i>Hollower</i> and the spookily supernatural <a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-bannister-dollhouse.html"><i>Bannister DollHouse</i></a> will attest. So I approached Dixon’s first crack at full-on comedy with some trepidation. <br /><br />Thankfully, my fears were utterly misplaced. Of course, some of the wisecracks that he has written for his teen characters and the always acid-tongued Red are side-splitters, but even they could not have prepared me for how smoothly the Mycho team have made the transition to humour. <br /><br />It’s a non-stop barrage of gags, some well-performed physical comedy and just enough black humour to keep things suitably dark for a movie about a misogynistic panda-headed serial killer. <br /><br />That’s not to say that the script is all fluff - there’s a strong theme of female empowerment throughout (as there so often is in the Mychoverse works) which might come as a shock to those who will inevitably make snap judgements after reading the synopsis, and some surprising emotional depth to boot. <br /><br />It’s easy to care for characters when they are written so well and portrayed as brilliantly as they are here. <br /><br />The frankly wonderful Charles gives what might be my favourite performance in a Mycho movie yet. Her well-rounded character is given plenty to do over her arc and whether she is inspiring sympathy or awestruck admiration, she manages it effortlessly. This is one actress I cannot wait time to see more of. <br /><br />Equally great is young Tom Hardy-alike Will Jones, who shows real likeability along with serious acting chops. Remember that name, he’s going places. <br /><br />I also loved the work of Thompson who manages to inject some nice humorous moments into her tough girl performance. I’m crossing all non-essential appendages that we’ll see her cross paths with Red one day. <br /><br />Speaking of comedy, none deliver as many laughs as our deplorable city boys, with Hamer-Morton chewing the scenery with great aplomb every time he’s on screen. He reminds me of Ralph Inneson’s Chris Finch from <i>The Office</i> - a huge twat but so unapologetically awful you can’t help but grin every time he pops up. <br /><br />The same holds for the delightfully deranged Lee Mark Jones and Nelson. The pair were in some of the funniest moments in the movie, and while they may not have been the subtlest characters their OTT energy was precisely what the film needed. Bravo gents. <br /><br />Rounding out the frightful foursome was a familiar Mycho face in the form of Marshall. He’s great too as are the other returning Mycho alum. <br /><br />Regular readers will know how much of a fan I am of the terrifically talented Badham - so I was delighted to see her back again - while a welcome albeit short appearance by the great Payne also added massively to the film. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In truth there are no weak links - Bond, Ibba and Abdoolakhan are all ace - but one of the very biggest pleasures came from seeing the return of the incredible David Hon Ma Chu. A horror movie is as only as good as its threat - and in this case, we have a superb performance. He made a big impression during his extended cameo at the beginning of <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2017/01/raw-review-slasher-house-ii.html">Slasher House II</a></i> - here he has so much more to do and really makes the most of it. It’s difficult to portray a character when your facial expressions are covered all the time, but his laconic and derisive delivery makes for a chillingly realistic yet bizarrely charming psychopath. He makes Jakushi a Ted Bundy-like bear headed buddy and it totally works. A post-credits message suggests there might be more to come for this character - if David Hon Ma Chu is attached then count me in. <br /><br />It’s not just the wit, warmth and performances that make <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9515298/"><i>Pandamonium</i></a> a must watch - the film never forgets that a horror movie needs scares too. There are some tense set-pieces scattered throughout the film, shot with Dixon’s usual impeccable timing and eye for framing, and the kills are shockingly brutal at times. <br /><br />Dixon’s eye-catching use of colour (a trademark in Mycho’s output) is as on point as ever while the snappy editing (especially during a Commando-esque tooling up sequence involving office stationery) gives an already electric flick even more energy. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPBp3T7dBWhA5M85gDLqlYaYcAKQPI-7mPfjk8WsmgGDC7AU34AgG4DDtPoB8yJ46L5ceu50kEgctYJuGQAhyphenhyphenngdO9Peny0AJPYQZ_CmGLuWq0dLKzJlaeYh1RvS7QMEgtHcvqfmxSe0/s1600/60008628-2260581687369284-2954941300694056960-n_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1100" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPBp3T7dBWhA5M85gDLqlYaYcAKQPI-7mPfjk8WsmgGDC7AU34AgG4DDtPoB8yJ46L5ceu50kEgctYJuGQAhyphenhyphenngdO9Peny0AJPYQZ_CmGLuWq0dLKzJlaeYh1RvS7QMEgtHcvqfmxSe0/s400/60008628-2260581687369284-2954941300694056960-n_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> It is becoming boring to write this caveat to low budget indie horror, but once again I need to stress that<i> <a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/pandamonium.html">Pandamonium</a></i> was a labour of love assembled on a shoestring budget. The cost of this movie is probably less than that spent on catering for your typical big studio Hollywood horror movie. <br /><br /><i>Pandamonium</i> looks fantastic for a film with such humble resources - but it is still a low-budget film. This means that at times it can become a little rough around the edges. Please do adjust your expectations accordingly- it’s very much worth it. <br /><br />For example, the offices of celebrated law firm Killmore & Percival don’t exactly suggest the workplace of a top affluent business. There are no wide bright marble hallways or pristine boardrooms with huge mahogany tables. Instead, it’s a more typical looking office setting. I’m sure with a bigger location budget and unlimited research time Dixon would have shot in a building straight out of LA Law. Instead, the Mycho team did what they do best - take what is available and scale it up to purpose. This is just one more reason to praise their work, not a stick to beat them with. <br /><br />While I praised the work of the larger cast, it does feel as if a few characters could have used a little more screen time. Of course, when you have a slasher movie you need bodies to up the body count, but it does feel as if a couple of characters have little more than a few minutes of meaningful screen time before they are dispatched. This is a tough one to address - make the movie much longer and it can risk feeling bloated. Ultimately I suppose this is a testimony to Dixon’s characters - the only flaw I could find was that I wanted more! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqec4mcxE6tVUCwBKhx0sdMOuUzbm7NqIrZFSyayfN71-aU6uXgEV07bfLVD1WN8fm18cc3pLaOwGNYkHP0RsdvJY3vaCff0nm2Lu6dkF6Y9LjH5Dkh6FElsNepFk-mH1tlhzpbDPDu70/s1600/60338223-462308211182269-3058352929086898176-n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqec4mcxE6tVUCwBKhx0sdMOuUzbm7NqIrZFSyayfN71-aU6uXgEV07bfLVD1WN8fm18cc3pLaOwGNYkHP0RsdvJY3vaCff0nm2Lu6dkF6Y9LjH5Dkh6FElsNepFk-mH1tlhzpbDPDu70/s400/60338223-462308211182269-3058352929086898176-n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE VERDICT: </b>For the last few years MJ, Anna and their team at Mycho have asked me to check out their latest movies ahead of their big premieres at the Horror On Sea Festival in Southend each January. And every year I have been inspired to write ebulliently positive reviews for their efforts. <br /><br />This streak continues with <i>Pandamonium</i>. <br /><br /><i>Die Hard</i> meets <i>Severance</i> by way of <i>Halloween</i>, this mishmash of mirthful and murderous mayhem is a resounding hit. Great comedy, superb performances, some killer horror sequences and a lightning pace that never lets up make this another indie must-see from Mycho. <br /><br />Trust me in this case you will have no choice but to grin and ‘bear’ it! <br /><br /><i>Pandamonium</i> will premiere at Horror on Sea on 18 January. You can buy tickets for the event <a href="https://www.horror-on-sea.com/">here</a>. <br /><br />In the meantime, why not read more about the movie at its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pandamoniumfilm/">official Facebook page</a>. Or better yet, hit up the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mycho">Mycho Patreon</a> and help them create more quality indie horror. <br /><br />If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page</a>, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors <br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span><br />
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Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-24109991670420267522019-08-31T13:37:00.000-07:002019-08-31T13:37:38.019-07:00DARK WEB: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CREEPYPASTA - PART 35: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH VINCENT VENA CAVA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a long while since I've shared a Dark Web feature on here, but it seems to be a good time to catch up with those features, that were published elsewhere before - sadly - those sites folded. But don't fear, from now on Dark Web will be publishing here - and I've lined up some fantastic stories and interviews with some genuine heavyweights in the field.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />It's almost like these interviews could be for an exciting project in the future...<br /><br />Usually these Dark Web features will focus on a single story, or a connected series, but this weeks does something a little different. Instead I focus on the work of a single author, one of the most successful and popular writers of Creepypasta the genre has produced — Vincent Vena Cava.<br /><br />With a wealth of work to his name, including iconic pastas such as <i>The Pastel Man</i>, <i>A Favor For a Favor</i>, <i>Picture This</i> and the fantastic <i>Wendall Lane Diaries</i>, the LA-based author has caused quite a stir with his fiction, gaining recognition and approaches from several huge media companies, including 20th Century Fox (when he wrote <i>The Eye of Ra</i>, which was part of a viral marketing campaign for the movie <i>The Pyramid)</i> and Starz. He has also been published multiple times, including the inclusion of his stories <i>Right On Time</i> and <i>Picture This</i> in the short story anthology, <i>The Creepypasta Collection: Modern Urban Legends You Can’t Unread</i>.<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-creepypasta-collection-mr-creepypasta/1123556473"> (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-creepypasta-collection-mr-creepypasta/1123556473</a>) <br /><br />All of this in just four short years since he first started publishing work on the web under the Vincent Cava name.<br /><br />He even saw a project successfully funded on Kickstarter that combined his talents with those of genre YouTube heavyweight Mr Creepypasta and top DeviantArtist Chris Oz Fulton. The resulting Creepypasta Comicbook (of which I’m a backer) is a fantastic debut effort and fans are eagerly anticipating subsequent issues from the team.<br /><br />Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had the tremendous pleasure of conversing with the amiable, humble and supremely talented Cava, asking him about his influences, storytelling processes, several of his most notable stories and what the future holds.<br /><br />Our interview follows below.<br /><br /><br /><b>HICKEY'S HOUSE OF HORRORS: </b>Hi Vincent, and thank you so much for agreeing to speak with me. First, I'd like to ask you some general questions about your influences, before asking specific questions about some of your stories, including <i>The Pastel Man</i>, <i>Right On Time</i> and your <i>Wendall Lane Diaries</i> series. I hope that's ok?<br /><br /><b>VINCENT VENA CAVA: </b>No problem, I'd be happy to answer your questions — and btw, you just named two of my worst stories! Haha! Is that what people know me for? Good God.<br /><br /><b>HHoH:</b> Oh dear, you are too harsh on yourself, they're all fine stories! May I ask which two you're least happy with? As an aside, some of my favourites include <i>The Hall Monitor</i>, T<i>he Job</i>, <i>Selfie</i>, <i>The Ocean's Cool Air</i>, and <i>Little Black Bugs</i>. I expect a few of those will be the subject of future features should you be happy to speak with me about them! <br /><br /><b>VVC: </b>Thanks! <i>The Pastel Man</i> is the first thing people really noticed me for and I'm sure I'll be tied to it forever, haha. I believe the story has weak stakes and the prose is pretty amateur. I've been working for years to hone my craft since I decided this was something I wanted to make money doing and I feel like I've gotten better since then. <i>Right on Time</i> is just fan service and if you aren't familiar with J<i>eff The Killer</i> then, in my opinion, the story is sort of weak (maybe even confusing?), but it is what it's supposed to be <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jF7K-2MME1XdCo7rm9lkv61-WgIJGe9sVyPFOw2gQQCrETaCyobnH_oHseyxAWY9kTQ3trpTvnakD7PhoKA61bTL5Fe19zhWSFry73It5HsMa9npX7vH6QqA5HxM7J8co-n6AMNu" /> <br />I am fond of <i>Wendall Lane</i> though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH:</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Here are my first few questions, they're non-story specific, but should give my readers more of an idea about you as a writer.<br />Which writers, horror or otherwise, do you consider yourself a fan of?<br /><br /><b>VVC:</b> I'm a fan of so many authors! Some of my biggest influences are Vonnegut, Lovecraft, King, Heinlein, and Philip K. Dick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH:</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you consider yourself a fan of Creepypasta?<br /><br /><b>VVC:</b> I'm a fan of anything that has to do with horror, but I'm not entirely sure what Creepypasta even is. It's such a fluid word. <br />It seems like everyone has their own definition of "creepypasta". What makes something creepypasta? Is it only stories featuring certain characters? Is it only scary stories? Who says what's scary? Does a story have to appear on specific websites like r/NoSleep or<a href="http://creepypasta.com/"> creepypasta.com</a> to make the cut? <br />Last I checked, the author of <i>The Martian</i>, Andy Weir's, short story <i>The Egg</i> is featured on<a href="http://creepypasta.com/"> creepypasta.com.</a> I don't think he posted it there, nor would I call it horror, but is it a creepypasta nonetheless? To me, are you a fan of creepypasta is a difficult question to answer because I don't even know how to go about defining it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH:</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> What work of your own are you most proud of?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>I'm really happy how people reacted to <i>A Favor for a Favor.</i> I've since given it a little rewrite and I think it's a better story now. <i>Picture This</i> was a really therapeutic story to write so I was happy when people responded well to it. I'm also pretty proud of the graphic novel I just took to Kickstarter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is your favourite Creepypasta by an author other than yourself?<br /><br /><b>VVC: </b>Hard to answer that question, so I'll stick to writers who are generally known for online horror. Anything by Matt Dymerski, T.W. Grim, Michael Whitehouse, and IPostAtMidnight is usually great. I think they're all really polished writers. Anything by them won't disappoint.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're a prolific writer, regularly releasing stories to the web. How do you keep the creative juices flowing? Is writing a process that you enjoy or is it more about getting your stories out there to an audience?<br /><br /><b>VVC:</b> Keeping the creative juices flowing isn't a problem. I have more stories in my head than I can write. The slowest part of my process comes from crafting my prose and trying to develop a unique and interesting narrative that will fit with what I'm writing. Writing isn't just about telling people a story. It's about HOW you tell them a story. A lot of young writers don't realize that. When you do it correctly, your prose can be poetry.<br />And most importantly...<br />Read. Read. Read. <br />You have to read if you want to be a good writer. And you have to read great writers. I get people asking me what to read. Don't just read horror. Read Hemingway, read Melville, read James Joyce, and Asimov, and Clarke. Read Oscar Wilde, read Doyle, and London. Read non-fiction too! Read, read, read. Great stories can inspire you....you get the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why do you think Creepypasta resonates so much with the fandom?<br /><br /><b>VVC: </b>I think a lot of the fans of these online, user generated horror stories are younger or at least became fans when they were younger. This...trend is like a gateway for a lot of young people. It can introduce them to the world of literature and I think that's wonderful. Many times, these stories are not written for children so of course there's always intrigue for kids when it comes to taboo subjects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH:</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>These fans have flocked to some characters, who really have become iconic to the community, such as <i>The Rake</i> and <i>Jeff the Killer,</i> a character you incorporated into your story <i>Right On Time </i>(you can hear Mr Creepypasta’s narration of the story here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu9NvCTJbHs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu9NvCTJbHs</a> )<br />What inspired you to write a story that contributes to the Jeff the killer mythos? <br /><br /><b>VVC:</b> I just wanted to pay a little fan service. Jeff is a popular character and people are usually excited to hear a new Jeff story. I figured why not try my hand at a little fan-fiction. I don't know if I'm actually contributing to the "Jeff mythos". I don't really consider any Jeff story to be canon. There are so many tales written by so many people. But that's cool. It makes the character and his personality somewhat amorphous. He isn't really defined by any set of rules and whoever is writing him can put their own spin on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What drew you to the character? <br /><br /><b>VVC: </b>The character's popularity is what drew me to him. Haha!<br />People like reading Jeff stories, I like writing stories, so why not try writing a Jeff story?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH:</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Your Jeff is less sympathetic than the version traditionally portrayed, he's almost a force of remorseless destruction than a human, a lot like John Carpenter's original idea for Michael Myers in Halloween. What inspired you to portray the character in this way? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>To be honest, I never found the character to be very interesting and the broken emo kid thing isn't all that scary. That's the problem a lot of people have with Jeff, which is why I decided to write around him. <br />He couldn't be the protagonist in <i>Right On Time</i>. Protagonists don't give you nightmares. I believe the character can be frightening, so long as you move away from the "woe is me" stuff. If you want him to be scary, don't let the audience into his head. <br />You have to strip away anything that makes him human. Make him a monster. That's why Michael Myers works. And let's face it, the Jeff character is basically an amalgam of slasher movie clichés. I just followed the trend.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What do you think the attraction is to Jeff for Creepypasta fans? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>I think most Jeff fans are pretty young. He's an antihero, he's counterculture. He plays by his own set of rules. If someone upsets him, he stabs them. I see why teenage girls and boys are into him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you have any further plans to feature Jeff in your stories? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>Not right now. I'd rather not write a ton of Jeff stuff, but maybe in a future comic book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are you happy with <i>Right On Time</i>? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>I think <i>Right On Time </i>is good fan-fiction. The problem with it is that you need to know who Jeff The Killer is for it to make a whole lot of sense. Otherwise, it's just an interesting story with an "out of nowhere" twist. If you don't know what Jeff The Killer is, you might read it and wonder what the hell just happened. What did he mean by "go to sleep"?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you have any plans to write stories featuring any other existing Creepypasta characters? (Excluding the Rake — who Vincent covered as part of his W<i>endall Lane Diaries</i> series AND for the Creepypasta comic book)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>Yeah sure. I'd love to write more stories based off some of the Internet's more popular characters. It's fun for me. I have no plans at this moment, but if it's something people would be interested in then I'm game for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH:</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I mentioned the Creepypasta comicbook just now. I recently received my PDF copy of the comic and I wanted to extend my most heartfelt congratulations on what is a really great read. You must be very, very proud of it! Any news on whether there'll be an issue 2? I'd certainly be onboard if so!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>Thanks for backing the comic! Glad you're enjoying it. Unfortunately our distributor (backerkit) had some trouble with ios mobile devices, but I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it.<br />We definitely want to put out a second comic, but first and foremost we want to focus on getting out all the rewards first. We’ll probably have a second comic up next year, hopefully twice as long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Rake plays a major role in one of the stories in the Creepypasta comic that you have created with MrCreepypasta. I understand you spoke with Bryan Somerville (who I’ve interviewed for this Dark Web series before: <a href="http://www.ukhorrorscene.com/dark-web-steven-hickeys-essential-guide-to-creepypasta-part-28-the-rake-re-visited/">http://www.ukhorrorscene.com/dark-web-steven-hickeys-essential-guide-to-creepypasta-part-28-the-rake-re-visited/</a>) about adapting the character for the comic. How was it working with him?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>I didn't really work with Somerville on the comic. I just asked him for the ok and gave him a short summary of the story, then he signed a contract giving me permission.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Rake is one of the more recognisable Creepypasta beasties, and you created one of your own with the monstrous Pastel Man. (Read the story here: <a href="http://www.creepypasta.com/pastel-man/">http://www.creepypasta.com/pastel-man/</a>) <br />His story is one that feels very much like an old-fashioned morality play. Was that your intention?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b><i>The Pastel Man</i> is most definitely a morality play. All of my work fits those themes.<br />I very rarely write about good vs Evil<br />It is my belief that we all exist on a moral spectrum — No black and white, just shades of gray. That's why most of my characters are inherently flawed. <br />I also believe that an antagonist with a more sympathetic reason for doing bad is much more compelling than one who just wants to eradicate all humanity or kill a protagonist because he's a bad guy. My protagonists also usually only act out of self-preservation rather than altruism. They aren't heroes.<br />But they are more relatable… in my opinion at least.<br /><br /><span id="goog_1934416031"></span><span id="goog_1934416032"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLHabvZvM5VF5uZaavwzPaKzVRzdRygSrzWJxcYIzyk0nm6DHE3lf7s90tjcFI_MNSGt1NqLrN7GIRs5qDuiJtXezV9oU5OcHrZ7Y55BN2vUiGKNpPW-Rt7HHtTsHp00kTbwQLMsrf8k/s1600/23172852_1949308231955502_30453004972943165_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="894" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLHabvZvM5VF5uZaavwzPaKzVRzdRygSrzWJxcYIzyk0nm6DHE3lf7s90tjcFI_MNSGt1NqLrN7GIRs5qDuiJtXezV9oU5OcHrZ7Y55BN2vUiGKNpPW-Rt7HHtTsHp00kTbwQLMsrf8k/s400/23172852_1949308231955502_30453004972943165_n.png" width="400" /></a><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's one of your earlier stories and earlier you stated that you weren't entirely happy with it. Would you ever consider re-visiting the story either with a sequel or rewrite?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC:</b> As for my dislike for the story, I believe that it's prose is lacking compared to what I can do now and the protagonist could probably use a bit more motivation. He is, in my opinion, almost too ‘guilty’.<br />I am heavily considering giving the story a rewrite. I am also considering revisiting <i>The Pastel Man</i> in the second Creepypasta comic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of your more recent projects to draw considerable recognition from the fans was the Wendall Lane Diaries. In your own words, how would you describe the series?<br /><b>VVC: </b><i>The Wendall Lane Diaries</i> are centered around a house where reality is broken. It's a paranormal hot spot much in the same way the Bermuda Triangle is. One might encounter ghosts, monsters, reality warping paradoxes if they stay there long enough. The occurrences are random. The only thing they have in common is that they're confined to the house and the property it sits on.<br />I worked with the cast of <i>Ash Vs The Evil Dead </i>to put out five new stories in the series, narrated by Bruce Campbell, Lucy Lawless, Ted Raimi and others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve heard the stories via MrCreepypasta’s YouTube Channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vq3HFjqkVkZabGSM02I8G960DBHu9xh">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vq3HFjqkVkZabGSM02I8G960DBHu9xh</a>) and just wanted to compliment you on how awesome they were. Bravo!<br />I just wondered if you could give my readers a little insight into how the collaboration with Starz came about?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>Starz was interested in promoting their show <i>Ash Vs The Evil Dead </i>so they contacted YouTube creator Mr. Creepypasta to read original stories. They wanted the stories to be loosely connected. <br />Since he's not a writer, he asked me if I'd be interested in writing them. The whole thing was really intense, I had about two weeks to crank out five stories for the series. <br />In the end it was a fun opportunity to meet the great actors of the show and to speak with horror icons like Bruce Campbell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And finally, where is the best place for me to send my readers to get more news on your work? Are there any preferred links for me to send my readers to read your literature?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>VVC: </b>I'm so stupid, I don't have a landing page haha. But I'm all over social media. Twitter, Facebook, youtube, snapchat, tumblr, Instagram, ect. Every account is @vincentvenacava<br />Hope that answers your questions!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HHoH: </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t really does, thanks so much. <br /><br /><br />As one of the more senior and respected members of the community, Vincent Vena Cava’s story shows that, if you’ve got the talent, Creepypasta really can lead to great things.<br /><br />Come back next time when I speak with another creative talent who’s been on the scene for a long time about one of the oldest, yet most recognisable and complex pastas ever.</span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-28248863587927650122019-08-28T12:32:00.001-07:002019-08-28T12:34:01.655-07:00RAW REVIEW: SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK<b id="docs-internal-guid-084a6ef5-7fff-81ae-4acd-ce07734407e6" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark </i>books, like R.L. Stine’s <i>Goosebumps</i> and J.B. Stamper’s <i>Tales For The Midnight Hour</i> series, have amassed a cult following among children of the 80s whose first experiences with horror came within their pages.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, rather than Alvin Schwartz’s fine writing, it was the book’s illustrations by Stephen Gammell that haunted a generation of budding genre fans. And it is these images that serve as the visual inspiration for the long-awaited movie adaptation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So could this modern take on classic childhood terrors bring a little darkness to today’s audiences? Or would it be a tall tale too far?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>DIR: </b>André Øvredal</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STARS:</b> Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Zajur, Natalie Ganzhorn, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gil Bellows</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </b>I’ll try not to spoil too much but continue at your own risk.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Set in 1968, <i><a href="https://www.scarystoriestotellinthedark.com/">Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark</a></i> is the story of a quartet of teens - bookish budding author Stella (Colletti), mysterious outsider Ramone (Garza), uptight and squeamish Augie (Rush) and crude comic relief Chuck (Zajur) who discover a cursed book as they attempt to escape the attention of jock bully Tommy (Abrams) and his goons on Halloween night. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Penned by local legend Sarah Bellow, the book - consisting of a number of short spine-chilling tales - was said to be written in the blood of the children she murdered. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf8KUQpJ6k1ioGbJPXyzpYRNJGwmVQifUH8SslcZX5czTCNGT-Kiilmp5Odpg-vnjapa2YJgbnuSEZAc8jqbqtB-4_lfk7IMLR7oP5wPpKNr3o6hlwB2VPpxiVAKi3vzWKiLhzxs6lZ0/s1600/64335115_167324787628365_7242973923943744122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf8KUQpJ6k1ioGbJPXyzpYRNJGwmVQifUH8SslcZX5czTCNGT-Kiilmp5Odpg-vnjapa2YJgbnuSEZAc8jqbqtB-4_lfk7IMLR7oP5wPpKNr3o6hlwB2VPpxiVAKi3vzWKiLhzxs6lZ0/s400/64335115_167324787628365_7242973923943744122_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">A clever little puzzle box of a film, the clever set-up of this story allows writers Dan and Kevin Hageman to implement a number of stories from the anthology-style source material in ways that specifically reference each character’s own fears and hang-ups. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taken from American folklore and in some cases urban legends, these stories provide the necessary jolts, while the narrative structure stops the movie from simply feeling like a collection of short films.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Trollhunter</i> and <i>The Autopsy Of Jane Doe</i> helmer Øvredal is becoming something of a force within the genre and his team ensure that the flick boasts expert pacing, tonnes of atmosphere, and some genuine scares along the way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The teen cast are strong, with each putting in a believable and endearing performance. Colletti makes for a fine female lead, while Garza and Rush both display fine comic timing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The leads are ably backed up by a strong supporting cast who do plenty with a less integral characters. Abram’s swaggering bully and Ganzhorn’s pretty but self-conscious high schooler stand out in a cast with little in the way of weak links. Elsewhere familiar faces Norris and Bellows also add gravitas to proceedings - with Bellows in particular seeming to have lots of fun with his role as a cynical town sheriff.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, the real stars of the film are the fantastically creepy monsters, brought to life by fantastic effects work and top physical performers such as Javier Botet and Troy James. The Toeless Corpse, the Pale Lady, Harold the scarecrow, the Jangly Man... each feels as if sprang straight from Gammell’s haunting illustrations and is more than capable of carrying a horror movie on their own. That we get so many top-drawer boogeymen in the 1hr 47min runtime is spoiling us!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the heart of so many of the movie’s heart-stopping set pieces - from the inexorable pursuit through the ‘red room’s’ corridors to the stalking sequence in the moonlit cornfield - <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScaryStoriesFilmUK/">Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark</a></i> doesn’t shirk when it comes to the first word of its title - and that’s before we even get to the brutally disturbing body horror of classic urban legend ‘The Red Spot’...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlxyic1lBQ6g91vhJfrxkwfkdVPDVrkDEFgX6IWdjvE9Y8Wht1LxzwbM03qr6CVHe_1IFRhc2pn_E9Cz7u_lnLsVhU8lQg2bB-s80sOG4M28flYQ7pTXXAiOxkHtbAeLyPwsBWlcZ1KU/s1600/56219751_628199567605361_7174682943210430464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlxyic1lBQ6g91vhJfrxkwfkdVPDVrkDEFgX6IWdjvE9Y8Wht1LxzwbM03qr6CVHe_1IFRhc2pn_E9Cz7u_lnLsVhU8lQg2bB-s80sOG4M28flYQ7pTXXAiOxkHtbAeLyPwsBWlcZ1KU/s400/56219751_628199567605361_7174682943210430464_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: normal;">THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3387520/">Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark</a></i> is a strong and atmospheric genre flick - yet the film is not without its flaws. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A familiarity with the cult source material (which is definitely less well known this side of the Atlantic) is definitely a bonus as some sequences may seem odd or confusing without knowledge of the stories. The dog scene lifted straight from Me Tie Dough-ty Walker is great for us fans but borders on goofy if you don’t understand the significance of the creature’s strange growls and whimpers. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And while the sheer number of suitably spooky antagonists is a strength, it also serves as a weakness as they have very little depth beyond ‘scary creature chasing character X’ if you don’t know the story (or stories in the case of the Jangly Man) from which they came.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also the movie’s historical setting seems rather arbitrary, contributing little to the plot other than a more relaxed attitude to racism among some of the more unsavoury characters, a rather shoe-horned and poorly explored Vietnam draft subplot, and some political digs toward Nixon and the current U.S. government. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It feels like there really was a bigger message behind choosing this era as the setting for Sarah Bellow’s revenge - sadly it seems that it may have got lost in translation along the way.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u0sXSn6CrgEtGHwzstCS-aH9zFm166JMCJb_kl_6clFxC1Ztwib2NqxKOTdvzPkSim-NwjQToNsW3xNQ4cUQk5brhpsdn04L4mYGwvoQ2ic0oQIe8DaXYbibH8X0F5-o8S85rYWz_78/s1600/MV5BNjVlODIyOWMtNGM1YS00NzRjLTkzZTItOTM4YmM4OWY1MGFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyODIyOTEyMzY%2540._V1_SY1000_SX750_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u0sXSn6CrgEtGHwzstCS-aH9zFm166JMCJb_kl_6clFxC1Ztwib2NqxKOTdvzPkSim-NwjQToNsW3xNQ4cUQk5brhpsdn04L4mYGwvoQ2ic0oQIe8DaXYbibH8X0F5-o8S85rYWz_78/s400/MV5BNjVlODIyOWMtNGM1YS00NzRjLTkzZTItOTM4YmM4OWY1MGFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyODIyOTEyMzY%2540._V1_SY1000_SX750_AL_.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: normal;">THE VERDICT: </b><i>Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark </i>is good old-fashioned spooky fun - an ideal gateway flick for teens who want to get into horror, much like the original book served way back in 1981.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fans of Shwartz’s hit trilogy of books will be delighted, while I suspect this eerily atmospheric and legitimately frightening big screen introduction will introduce a whole new generation to the chills within their pages.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proving a hit at the American box office, a second chapter appears inevitable at this stage - and I will be first in line for More Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors<br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-44637976765578953102019-05-08T05:52:00.002-07:002019-05-08T06:00:32.508-07:00RAW REVIEW: THE CURSE OF LILITH RATCHET<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Eddie Lengyel’s <a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2015/11/raw-review-scarred-aka-kandie-land_18.html"><i>Scarred</i></a><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2015/11/raw-review-scarred-aka-kandie-land_18.html">, that I reviewed here</a> back in November 2015, was a cool throwback slasher movie that very much suggested Lengyel is a horror director to watch.<br /><br />And now he’s back, but this time he takes on more crowd-pleasing mainstream fright flicks like the<i> Conjuring</i> or <i>Insidious</i> movies with <i>American Poltergeist: The Curse Of Lilith Ratchet</i>.<br /><br /><i>Scarred </i>proved a strong effort, but would his creepy ghost story deliver the frights as well?<br /><br />Read on...<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>AMERICAN POLTERGEIST: THE CURSE OF LILITH RATCHET </b>(2018)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBxAMJOnPq9jWjSL_m5fH0Gm4yhr5geloJn387JEiysz1vizBbi-3fGrG4msRA2Qtkh5fn7kNCBDe_pFIgH8GQ3C5HYBafIv-xodnr-8I10okD4AFjvUbYYg9mCz1XgiKPUq_6xN2D6s/s1600/57272091_428076831094192_562341322195730432_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBxAMJOnPq9jWjSL_m5fH0Gm4yhr5geloJn387JEiysz1vizBbi-3fGrG4msRA2Qtkh5fn7kNCBDe_pFIgH8GQ3C5HYBafIv-xodnr-8I10okD4AFjvUbYYg9mCz1XgiKPUq_6xN2D6s/s320/57272091_428076831094192_562341322195730432_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Dir: </b>Eddie Lengyel<br /><b>Stars: </b>KateLynn E Newberry, Rob Jaeger, Roger Conners, Angela Cole, Brianna Burke, George Tutie, Crissy Kolarik, Debbie Scaletta <br /><br /><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </b>I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.<br /><br />Friends Alice (Newberry), Lauren (Burke) and Dylan (Conners) make a bizarre discovery in a small antique store - a shrunken head said to belong to a local legend, the witch Lilith Ratchet.<br /><br />Upon presenting their find to supernatural podcast host Hunter Perry (Jaeger) they learn that playing an ancient game with the head (think hot potato but with the severed body part) runs the risk of awakening the ancient spirit.<br /><br />Of course, Hunter - looking to give his show a ratings boost - gathers a group of fans to a special party to play the game. One by one they are eliminated until a winner is crowned.<br /><br />But the game doesn’t end there - and as the losing players fall one-by-one the group enters a terrifying race against time to break the curse - before Lilith breaks them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzl-S_PesLuI8eMgFfmUr2RyWJBz5p9SASbYtPdhMSfhjbwPapq-vcDzgKUeY4h03l3AQA9s6lKkv4ptwrGjnBDq6RxScu-i4o5XMGNRv9RHPEiN4om7VRxTEYdZfvnqRZlcS_Qe9XnI/s1600/52482043_398753620693180_1984629156834443264_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzl-S_PesLuI8eMgFfmUr2RyWJBz5p9SASbYtPdhMSfhjbwPapq-vcDzgKUeY4h03l3AQA9s6lKkv4ptwrGjnBDq6RxScu-i4o5XMGNRv9RHPEiN4om7VRxTEYdZfvnqRZlcS_Qe9XnI/s400/52482043_398753620693180_1984629156834443264_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b> THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>The biggest trend in crowd-pleasing horror right now is the spooky supernatural story. Almost a backlash to the torture porn craze of a few years ago, now blood has been replaced by chills, and the visceral reaction of these movies is caused by the jump scare rather than lashings of gore. The likes of <i>Insidious </i>and <i>Sinister</i> have proven to be real heavy-hitters while <i>The Conjuring</i> franchise has become one of the most profitable in the genre with <i>The Curse Of La Llorona</i>, the sixth entry, currently in cinemas.<br /><br />What <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Americanpoltergeist/"><i>American Poltergeist: The Curse Of Lilith Ratchet </i></a>proves is that it’s not only James Wan helmed big studio efforts that can make this format work.<br /><br />Director Lengyel emerged as a great filmmaker with <i>Scarred</i>. With this movie he proves that was no fluke. He has crafted a fun and spooky flick that almost acts as a greatest hits of the ‘Blumhouse’-style genre movie, all while bringing plenty of new touches to the table as it does so.<br /><br />The story is simple, not overly complex, but brings a couple of unique hooks to make it feel fresh. The game element of the storyline is very cool, while the flashbacks detailing the macabre story behind arch-villainess Lilith are also great fun.<br /><br />That Lengyel frames each shot so well as to really evoke a suitably uneasy feeling also helps to elevate the ghoulish subject matter. <br /><br />It helps that he has such a strong cast at his disposal. Newberry does a fine job as the leading lady, ensuring the viewer always feels sympathetic toward her plight.<br /><br />Burke is a real revelation as Lauren and this promising young actress is one I shall be looking out for in the future.<br /><br />It’s not just the ladies who impress, Jaeger delivers arguably the stand-out performance as Hunter- bringing the sleazy character to life without ever descending into caricature. His character also takes quite the journey and it’s fascinating watching him.<br /><br />Conners (who I spoke highly of before in my review for <a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2015/05/raw-review-chill-killing-games.html"><i>Chill: The Killing Games</i></a>) is also quite excellent. I enjoyed his work before, and it was a pleasure to see him once again.<br /><br />Last but not least, Crissy Kolarik is brilliant as the titular phantom. The role is primarily silent, a wordless performance built on sheer theatrical physicality. Kolarik does not just understand this, she revels in it. A good horror villain can elevate a genre flick - and this is a very good horror villain indeed.<br /><br />The character design is a huge part of what makes the character work - she looks not unlike Insidious’s infamous Bride in Black crossed with the criminally underrated <i>Dead Silence</i>’s Mary Shaw with a hint of the divisive <i>Stay Alive</i>’s Elizabeth Bathory all topped off with The Woman In Black. Think spooky pale-faced Victorian school ma’ams and you get the idea. It’s a recurring motif in horror for good reason - it works!<br /><br />Credit has to go to make-up artist Daniel Blain Click and special effects guru William M. Johns for bringing the look to life so effectively.<br /><br />And Johns delivers in other areas too. We get some decidedly grisly wounds and bloody kills along the way to the unexpected conclusion of Lengyel’s tale. That Lengyel can take so many familiar ingredients but still deliver some surprises along the way speaks volumes about his skills. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aRaOqLzrTh8KutuN3Im39rMnNMiSjhVvtBAzAuxpmocmpA7y89VXbjhJYc9MjcDN2MggH8cNHPQegKbwT8c95CXA2Ok6Voc2E23B4nO4IHTFjXdGslqgfTK_NCM3Y9lR1WCUu1RsM5g/s1600/51742040_398807514021124_2144274409781723136_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aRaOqLzrTh8KutuN3Im39rMnNMiSjhVvtBAzAuxpmocmpA7y89VXbjhJYc9MjcDN2MggH8cNHPQegKbwT8c95CXA2Ok6Voc2E23B4nO4IHTFjXdGslqgfTK_NCM3Y9lR1WCUu1RsM5g/s400/51742040_398807514021124_2144274409781723136_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b> THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> As I wrote earlier, Blumhouse’s character-driven ghost/demon stories are very much in vogue when it comes to the horror genre. It is good to see a smaller indie tackle these subjects - however, it is worth remembering that <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7358686/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1"><i>The Curse Of Lilith Ratchet</i></a> is doing so on a significantly lower budget than your average Blumhouse national release.<br /><br />It isn’t that Lengyel’s movie is shoddy - far from it - but of course it isn’t quite as polished as a lot of those big studio flicks. As such it is worth adjusting your expectations accordingly.<br /><br />Nowhere is this more apparent than in a few scenes in which perhaps the time and budget to construct tailored sets would have worked to counter the limitations of the locations used.<br /><br />I think it’s safe to say the hiding place chosen during the opening kill isn’t the strongest, while a key stand-off during the climactic game of cat and mouse in the night club where the game began also feels a little hampered.<br /><br />I know it’s not really fair to pick at these things, caused by financial and time constraints rather than any deficiency of skill, but they are moments that can pull some people out of the moment.<br /><br />These same constraints mean that not every performance hits the highs of the best moments during the movie. It’s not due to any lack of effort on the part of the actors, but every now and then the odd line does fall a little flat. Thankfully this is something that only occurs rarely, and does not significantly hinder enjoyment of the movie.<br /><br />Finally, the pacing of the movie can get a little erratic at times. There are a couple of longer scenes that could probably have been excised or at least trimmed significantly to help the flow of the story. The movie does clock in at a little over 100min - it could afford to lose a minute (or five).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5XwgXw99SMDeI-z8kZxkNA5VhyfJMCE0DiRh5jFEYrPUiTB_X67fI8vIVU9-4i1K5ITGru_5_hyFOnVWNrlNmCKBtQsr_I99R9OcEbaobdVA4YpSPMAjeigOXO-EFadeKmmTWViyFTg/s1600/21078591_169933790241832_8600222074879872889_n-1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5XwgXw99SMDeI-z8kZxkNA5VhyfJMCE0DiRh5jFEYrPUiTB_X67fI8vIVU9-4i1K5ITGru_5_hyFOnVWNrlNmCKBtQsr_I99R9OcEbaobdVA4YpSPMAjeigOXO-EFadeKmmTWViyFTg/s400/21078591_169933790241832_8600222074879872889_n-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b> THE VERDICT: </b>It is so refreshing to see a skilfully told jump-scare genre flick coming from the indies rather than a massive studio. It is even better to see that it is genuinely fun!<br /><br />Lengyel has delivered the goods once again - sure, it’s a little rough around the edges at times, but at its core, <i>The Curse Of Lilith Ratchet </i>is pure entertainment. It features a neat hook with its game plotline, and an extremely cool villain. Under the writer/director’s assured guidance, and buoyed by some sterling performances and effects work, this is a sure-fire hit.<br /><br />It’s not often I get to the end of an indie horror flick and instantly look forward to a sequel - rest assured, that if Lengyel and his crew want to return to this story, I am ready for Ratchet!<br /><br /><i>American Poltergeist: The Curse Of Lilith Ratchet</i> is available at Walmart and Amazon.com - UK readers, stay tuned for an official release date. In the meantime, why not check out the film’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Americanpoltergeist/">official Facebook page here</a>? Give it a like while you’re there too, these guys deserve it!<br /><br />If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors<br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-56220101044365382222019-03-01T06:31:00.001-08:002019-03-01T06:39:43.545-08:00RAW REVIEW: THE HOLE IN THE GROUND<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It would appear that 2019 is all set to be the year of the spooky kid. With the much anticipated <i>Brightburn</i> and <i>The Prodigy</i> on the way, eerily blank-faced little boys are the genre’s must-have right now.<br /> <br /> The first of this batch of films, Irish director Lee Cronin’s <i>The Hole In The Ground</i> is already gathering plenty of hype following a stellar reception at Sundance, and has even been called this year’s <i>The Babadook</i> by some critics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So would I want to dive in? Or would I want to leave it long buried?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read on...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>THE HOLE IN THE GROUND </b>(2019)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20UTMzQtRbuiR1eWVOUBV0gqTAVA52RnFltaIzeX4QqTxx8-0uYTnaF8IHexirCsr-hGRZaW1yqFaCcwqKzDhScp2IqG7sD8Hv60KuFLJ6I8bS0ftmgo-q7gbXy5XRT-3_0g-TicHf9I/s1600/THITG_QUAD_3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20UTMzQtRbuiR1eWVOUBV0gqTAVA52RnFltaIzeX4QqTxx8-0uYTnaF8IHexirCsr-hGRZaW1yqFaCcwqKzDhScp2IqG7sD8Hv60KuFLJ6I8bS0ftmgo-q7gbXy5XRT-3_0g-TicHf9I/s320/THITG_QUAD_3-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>DIR:</b> Lee Cronin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STARRING:</b> Seana Kerslake, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">James Quinn Markey, Simone Kirby, Steve Wall, Eoin Macken, Sarah Hanly, James Cosmo, Kati Outinen</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> <br /><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS:</b> I'll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://theholeinthegroundfilm.com/?fbclid=IwAR1jGEmY1zhzowYXoXVfg5t6KkDHUhWEYONLIhqERrUpT4lV_rmaITABLwo">The Hole In The Ground</a></i> is the story of a strong but fragile single mother, Sarah (Kerslake) and her crumbling relationship with her odd son Christopher (Markey). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opening shortly after the pair moves into the creakiest creepiest house in all of rural Ireland, following an implied hellish ordeal at the hands of young Christopher's abusive father, the story really picks up steam after a trip into the nearby forest reveals a gargantuan sinkhole, while an ominous rant from the local crazy old lady with a tragic backstory of her own (Outinen) suggests all is not as it seems. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> Soon Christopher’s demeanour becomes all but unrecognisable, causing Sarah to wonder if the boy that returned from the woods is really her son...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt1JCpE1XLsLYj0h3l62zWS3oxUjcbvw9WTSF-nob2jvXAs_tZhSL4SIsIIIherx13LME_FuBbO6OsaXP5c7aUQd8FDdjAo62VGmQey3DuchU5HDKvUXNzpE-nLFqtHtinsL3psLVkzI/s1600/holeinthegroundstills-208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt1JCpE1XLsLYj0h3l62zWS3oxUjcbvw9WTSF-nob2jvXAs_tZhSL4SIsIIIherx13LME_FuBbO6OsaXP5c7aUQd8FDdjAo62VGmQey3DuchU5HDKvUXNzpE-nLFqtHtinsL3psLVkzI/s320/holeinthegroundstills-208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First time feature director Cronin made waves with his <a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2015/01/sharp-shock-short-ghost-train.html">acclaimed short <i>Ghost Train</i></a> (and eagle-eyed viewers may well spot a shout-out to that excellent piece of entertainment) and the scare-crafting skills on display there are evident in this movie too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At times genuinely unnerving, if the success of a horror flick is measured in scariness <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/news/ni62394402?ref_=tt_nwr3">The Hole In The Ground</a></i> absolutely delivers. It looks fantastic, and even the quieter moments drip with an all-pervading sense of dread.<br /> <br /> Cronin’s eye for a shot really brings the film to life, turning the dank forest into a character all of its own, while it also boasts some impressive and understated effects during a couple of the more nightmarish moments.<br /> <br /> The film is certainly buoyed by its sterling cast. The terrific Kerslake really is quite incredible, giving a rich and layered performance as Sarah. She manages to portray a woman n the edge without ever becoming annoying, and she also gets a chance to do something decidedly creepy late on in the movie that might just be the most chilling of all the scares in the film.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Markey is also brilliant in his big screen debut - at times sweet and cute, others unnerving and eerie. I fully expect to hear both mentioned during Awards season later this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As well as the two incredible leads, there are also stand-out turns from great character actors Outinen and Cosmo, who is as fantastic as ever - but if you see his name on a project I'm sure most of you know that is what you're getting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These cast complement the story co-written by Cronin and Stephen Shields. They bring the well-written characters to life, while a deliberate but steady pace sees the fear ratchet up steadily as some skillfully worked set pieces provide regular jolts and aid in the telling of the story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of the plot, it also earns points for the way in which it takes a healthy dollop of folklore from the Emerald Isle as the basis of its frights. It's something I'd love to see even more of from now on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> While <i>The Hole In The Ground</i> is undoubtedly very good, I do feel it is a touch premature to be mentioning it in the same breath as modern classics such as the aforementioned <i>The Babadook</i> or Robert Eggers’ <i>The VVitch</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The Hole In The Ground</i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> </i>isn’t quite as smart as Jessica Kent’s grief allegory, nor does it feel as groundbreaking in what it does as Eggers' 2015 period chiller.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a good story, but it is one you have probably heard before. Of course, in horror it isn't so much the story as how it is told that matters (just look at the hundreds of slasher movies from the Eighties as a case in point, then consider just how much the classics differ from Halloween's much celebrated template). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another small sticking point would be the ending of the film - obviously I cannot ruin that here, but it did feel as if it were going to offer up a nightmarish twist, that ultimately never came. I can't help but wonder how much more impact the movie might have had if it embraced the darkness of such a nihilistic conclusion. Still, what we do get is very enjoyable indeed, so perhaps I'd be better off appreciating what we do get.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE VERDICT:</b> As I said before, comparisons to <i>The Babadook</i> might serve to harm <i>The Hole In The Ground</i> in the long term. Sadly nothing can be done about hype once it has started to gather steam.<br /> <br /> Perhaps this finely crafted little tale is better off compared with other recent offerings from across the Irish Sea, such as Corin Hardy’s <i>The Hallow</i> or Ivan Kavanagh’s <i>The Canal</i> - and it is arguably even better than those very good films.<br /> <br /><i> The Hole In The Ground</i> is an easy recommendation for those of you looking for a slick, sophisticated horror movie.<br /> <br /> There’s no burying your head in the sand here - <i>The Hole In The Ground</i> establishes Cronin as a real talent to watch in the future - and as somebody who called this shot back when I reviewed Ghost train more than four years ago, I couldn't be happier to be right!<br /> <br /><i> The Hole In The Ground</i> is in cinemas from today - 1st March - by Vertigo Releasing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Go check it out - and check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHoleInTheGround/">the film's official Facebook page here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page</a>, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog. Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors <br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay. </span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-27697119028340072252019-03-01T05:44:00.001-08:002019-03-01T05:52:12.430-08:00RAW REVIEW: THE THEATRE OF TERROR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Long-term readers of this blog may recall the quirky indie flick <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2015/03/raw-review-faces.html">Faces</a></i> that I reviewed way back in March 2015. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was an imaginative and intelligent movie that ticked a hell of a lot of boxes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So you can imagine my delight when the good folks at </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Theatre of Terro</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r asked if I would like to take a look at their newest offering, a throw-back anthology flick, named after the production company itself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Would this be a showstopper? Or would I be wishing for the final curtain? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read on... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>THE THEATRE OF TERROR </b>(2018) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Dir:</b> Tom Ryan <br /><br /><b>STARRING:</b> Tom Ryan, Lauren Renahan, Heather Brittain O’Scanlon, Adam Ginsberg, Scott Gorbach, Sarah Schoofs, Russell Hackett, Bob Cleary, Alan Rowe Kelly, Randy Memoli, Marc Abbott, Christopher J. Murphy, Paugh Shadow, Tim O’Hearn, Tommie McGuckin, Heather Drew, Patrick ‘Bone Man’ Boyer <br /><br /><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS:</b> I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.theatreofterror.net/?fbclid=IwAR11DLgVQ4JCy2lOlmF7L88Yc5acwKAEU9mW-LGzS5m1B2pr5evKhHSQaNk"><i>The Theatre of Terror</i></a> opens with a young woman (Renahan) discovering a flier about a campaign to save a historical movie theatre facing closure. <br /><br />Upon arrival, she encounters the theatre’s decidedly odd proprietor (Ryan) who proceeds to demonstrate the power of film by showing her a series of gripping and disturbing shorts. <br /><br />The first of these - <i>The Gift</i> - follows a woman (O’Scanlon) who has lost an enviable career, a loving family, and her own sense of self-worth. Resorting to prostitution, a nightmarish encounter with a customer sees her forced to take refuge in a quaint antique store. But is there more to the shopkeeper (Ginsberg) and his wares? <br /><br />The second story - <i>The Bookworm</i> - follows an introverted young man (Gorbach) who uses his sizeable inheritance to purchase a library. However, he soon comes to suspect that more than literature can be found on its dusty bookshelves. <br /><br />The third segment - <i>Abducted</i> - is the story of simple Ned (Hackett) who becomes captivated by a series of strange phenomena in the forest near his home in the wake of a number of mysterious disappearances. <br /><br />The fourth story is entitled <i>Endangered</i> and follows a group of animal rights activists (including Renahan again) who decide to take action to protect the local grey wolf population. However, after an act of sabotage goes awry, they realise that isn’t just the wolves that are at risk in these woods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> <i>The Theatre of Terror</i> director Ryan has made no secret of the fact that this movie is his love letter to classic anthology shows such as <i>The Twilight Zone</i> and <i>The Outer Limits</i>. With that in mind, the movie delivers in spades. <br /><br />There’s real variety in each of the stories contained within, and they take on a wide range of themes and sub-genres. But the thing that makes Ryan’s movie stand out from the crowd is a focus on characters. <br /><br />Each segment feels as if it is the characters that Ryan has created that drive the story, rather than a ‘cool’ set-piece or plot twist. It makes each story more gripping because you actually know, understand, and - most importantly - care about the protagonists. <br /><br />It certainly helps Ryan’s cause that he has assembled some very talented actors for the movie. Both Heather Brittain O’Scanlon and Adam Ginsberg from <i>The Gift </i>are arguably the standouts. <br /><br />O’Scanlon is quite brilliant and delivers a brave, believable, heartbreaking performance that left me eager to see more of her in the future. <br /><br />There are also impressive and show-stealing turns from the subtle and assured Gorbach and a crackling and maniacal Alan Rowe Kelly, whose <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2015/05/raw-review-tales-of-poe_22.html">Tales of Poe</a> </i>was well reviewed here at the House before. <br /><br />The actors are given plenty to work with, even with the comparative brevity of each short, and they run with it. <br /><br />These are not just compelling storylines, they are diverse too, meaning that even if you may not like one of the segments one of the others is sure to hit the spot. From psychological dramas to gory creature features, Ryan shows his range throughout <i>The Theatre of Terror</i>. <br /><br />Often ambitious undertakings, such as the monster effects that are central to a couple of the shorts here, suffer in indie flicks due to budgetary constraints. However, there are a couple of great practical effects on display here, in both the <i>Bookworm</i> and <i>Endangered</i> segments, that are genuinely great. <br /><br />Credit too must go to the <i>ToT</i> scouting team for securing the historic Loew Theatre for the wrap-around segments of the story. The beautiful and dramatically ornate old picture house is the perfect setting for this film, a building so rich in character that it practically becomes one in Ryan’s story. Wonderful work. <br /><br />And while the visual effects are undoubtedly impressive, it is Ryan’s direction that packs the biggest visual punch. He knows how to frame a shot, to tell a story through his visuals, and the right times at which to use subtlety to create far more effective chills than over-the-top gore and jump scares. <br /><br />This sort of dread-inducing storytelling was used so effectively back in the days when <i>The Twilight Zone</i>, <i>The Outer Limits</i>, and <i>The Night Gallery</i> ruled the airwaves. It’s only fitting that a man paying homage to these shows should have such a strong grasp on what made them so iconic to begin with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>It grates on me to have to do this so often, but it is necessary to point out that while a very impressive indie movie, <i>The Theatre of Terror </i>is still an indie movie nonetheless. <br /><br />This means that it doesn’t quite have the polish that you might see in a multi-million dollar big screen offering such as those churned out by Blumhouse. Do please adjust some of your expectations accordingly. <br /><br />One such example here might be during the <i>Abducted</i> segment. While the visual effects that bring the Bookworm and Alpha Beast to life in the segments I mentioned above are quite fantastic, those on display here don’t quite hit their lofty standards. <br /><br />Another possible problem to some viewers is one that is endemic in all anthologies - unless the viewer has a very wide range of tastes, some segments are likely to leave them cold. What’s more, the difference in tone can jar somewhat and <i>The Theatre of Terror</i> is no different. <br /><br />This is a tough criticism to make - variety is essential to the success of an anthology, otherwise it becomes repetitive and uninspiring very quickly, but it does affect cohesiveness. <br /><br />Ryan has cleverly slowly escalated his stories, starting with the quietest and most subtle, slowing building to the most extreme of his tales. However, this does have an effect on the pacing. The first half of the movie is significantly slower than the second. I enjoyed the subtlety of these quieter early stories, but genre fans of more intense fare may well find themselves clock watching here. <br /><br />Those same fans may also find fault with the scares on hand too. Not every segment is an out-and-out horror story, and most (like the classic TV series that inspired them) are perhaps more creepy than a nerve-shredding fear fest. If you are looking to be left unable to sleep in terror, this is probably not the movie for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b>VERDICT:</b> <i>The Theatre of Terror</i> is my kind of anthology. It shows variety and heart in its storytelling, no shortage of skill in its filmmaking, a strong and compelling cast, and a note-perfect callback to some of the greatest shows to ever shape the genre. <br /><br />No, it’s not a perfect movie, suffering from a few of the problems inherent in this form of storytelling, but Ryan’s work is never less than charming. It’s a fine showcase for the talents of him and his clearly very dedicated cast and crew. If you are in the mood for a clever, creepy throwback with plenty of heart, <i>Theatre of Terror</i> is the movie for you. <br /><br />You can buy the movie at its <a href="https://www.theatreofterror.net/?fbclid=IwAR11DLgVQ4JCy2lOlmF7L88Yc5acwKAEU9mW-LGzS5m1B2pr5evKhHSQaNk">official web site here</a>. Also, check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/Theatre-of-Terror-115431051868322/about/?ref=page_internal"><i>Theatre of Terror</i>’s Facebook page here</a> - why not give it a like while you’re there? I’m sure these very talented filmmakers would appreciate it! <br /><br />If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page</a>, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors <br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay. </span></div>
Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-63208761826009157122018-11-28T08:47:00.000-08:002018-11-28T08:47:50.248-08:00RAW REVIEW: CLEAVERS: KILLER CLOWNS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second part of my double-bill of reviews for films by the talented folk at Mycho sees us return to the story of Carlton Layton A.K.A. Cleaver the killer clown.<br /><br />With the character first appearing in <i>Slasher House</i>, then his own movie <i>Cleaver: Rise Of The Killer Clown</i>, he’s become a real cornerstone of the burgeoning Mychoverse. <br /><br />So is this Cleaver razor sharp? Or is the whole thing getting rusty?<br /><br />Read on...<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CLEAVERS: KILLER CLOWNS </b>(2019)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZTdypn307mUln9ZBtdAEk9PW4pKFKp7YhWFodfrj4TY_QUDmdEVeI7Des1dx5lZZ-9DVhyphenhyphenEnAwu3qNdZIWqANvaN4MujVgCIEMBLVtP_fPMBTfosAW3j0Mi9IurtlbHyWgvofe4w3yM/s1600/cleaversposternewonesheet_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZTdypn307mUln9ZBtdAEk9PW4pKFKp7YhWFodfrj4TY_QUDmdEVeI7Des1dx5lZZ-9DVhyphenhyphenEnAwu3qNdZIWqANvaN4MujVgCIEMBLVtP_fPMBTfosAW3j0Mi9IurtlbHyWgvofe4w3yM/s400/cleaversposternewonesheet_orig.jpg" width="282" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dir:</b> MJ Dixon<br /><b>Stars:</b> Georgie Smibert, Gemma Louise Troughton, Paul Rogers, Jessica Michelle Smith, Holly-Anne Dodkins, Kimberley Lasi, Matthew Baunsgard, Derek Nelson, Olivia Krys, Jimi James, Ben Manning, Chloe Badham<br /><br /><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </b>I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk. Also, this is a direct sequel to <i>Cleaver: Rise Of The Killer Clown</i>, so it will spoil that movie. You have been warned.<br /><br />Continuing shortly after the blood-thirsty events of the first Cleaver, the film opens in 1995 as police officers Jody-Ann (Georgie Smibert) and her partner Hatcher (Jimi James) are on the trail of notorious murderer Carlton Layton (this time played by Paul Rogers). Upon locating his battered old ice-cream truck, the officers fall afoul of Cleaver and his recently recruited daughter Mary-Beth (Holly-Anne Dodkins).<br /><br />Five years later Jody-Ann is still searching for her missing partner, causing a great deal of discomfort with local law enforcement in each town she stops at.<br />The situation only worsens when she is responsible for the capture of a woman named Misty (Gemma Louise Troughton) who claims to have inside knowledge as to the whereabouts of Cleaver. Out for revenge herself, Misty wants out of jail in exchange for the information - putting Jody-Ann in a tough position.<br /><br />Meanwhile recovering drug addict Tanya (Jessica Michelle Smith) is on a trip through the Mid West with her family, inept dad Larry (Matthew Baunsgard), oafish brother Artie (Derek Nelson), Artie’s infuriating girlfriend Chase (Olivia Krys) and bossy new stepmother Tiffany (Kimberly Lasi) who is just a couple of years older than Tanya.<br /><br />With tensions already running high, the family cross paths with a seemingly lost and innocent Mary-Beth. As they descend on an isolated farmhouse, they have no idea what awaits them...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_dqEbDW8BTbH-Pu_8VNV_hQanMb_NOsgQTRSpembVgE2sWf4i0ObeYncjksx3NAtYIWSb1CIX4kfU8kItjswBCsnoLcKwvvAsFi1nzYd1YjWbPfPxSrL64kqFkKkr4N9xGJBSuY_4x4/s1600/cleaversstill2_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_dqEbDW8BTbH-Pu_8VNV_hQanMb_NOsgQTRSpembVgE2sWf4i0ObeYncjksx3NAtYIWSb1CIX4kfU8kItjswBCsnoLcKwvvAsFi1nzYd1YjWbPfPxSrL64kqFkKkr4N9xGJBSuY_4x4/s400/cleaversstill2_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>As I wrote in my recent review for Mycho’s fantastic <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2018/11/raw-review-bannister-dollhouse.html">Bannister DollHouse</a></i>, the rapidly expanding Mychoverse affords the company plenty of opportunities to diversify their genre offerings. The original <i>Cleaver</i> was a babysitter in peril flick that paid loving homage to the grandfather of that sub-genre, <i>Halloween</i>. <i>CleaverS</i> branches out into another popular Slasher domain, the grimy grindhouse road trip, as inspired by the classic <i>Texas Chain Saw Massacre</i>.<br /><br />It’s an inspired touch, giving the movie a completely different yet still cohesive feel to what has come before. This is in no small part due to Dixon’s assured direction. <i><a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/cleavers.html">CleaverS</a></i> is clearly another labour of love for the microbudget maestro, and that care practically radiates out of the screen.<br /><br />Considering their decidedly meagre resources, the films in the Mychoverse are always great looking. Mycho movies often have a Bava or Argento-esque style of lighting, with bold colour palettes and striking framing. There are shots in this movie, such as the moment in which the police officers discover Cleaver’s seemingly abandoned ice cream truck, that are among the very finest Dixon has ever shot.<br /> <br />Of course, visuals alone are not enough to carry a film - it requires a strong plot. <i>CleaverS</i> is one of the most complex storylines to come from the minds of the folks at Mycho, as evidenced by the sizeable cast. More importantly, each character serves a purpose other than to ratchet up the body count. There are proper character arcs for everybody and more than a few surprises along the way.<br /><br /><i>CleaverS</i> also explores some fascinating themes, especially that of fatherhood and the role a dad should play in protecting his children. This is best evidenced in the contrasts between cheery but weak Larry and his dysfunctional family and the psychotic but doting Layton.<br /><br />One might not expect a movie titled <i>CleaverS: Killer Clowns</i> to tackle such weighty subjects, but Mycho has and done it well to boot.<br /><br />Of course, this is a horror movie - and a killer clown one at that -so it’s not all gentle chin-stroking and stirring monologues about the futility of it all. We get plenty of kills along the way, with Cleaver and his little protege showing off their warped sense of humour with a series of deadly ‘prank’ style traps. Cleavers are all well and good but strategically placed piano wire shows true artistry!<br /><br />These kills would be for naught if we don’t care about the characters getting offed, and despite the size of the cast, Dixon does a pretty good job of getting us onboard (or dead set against) them.<br /><br />It helps that he has assembled such a strong cast - especially in his core group of leading ladies. <br /><br />Smibert, Troughton, Smith, and Lasi are all fantastic, each bringing something different to the film, but complementing one another perfectly. I for one hope we will see plenty more from this talented group of actresses.<br /><br />The same can be said for Dodkins who is clearly having a ball in her Harley Quinn-like role. I've got a sneaking suspicion the folks at Mycho aren’t done with her just yet, and I thoroughly approve.<br /><br />I was also glad to see familiar Mycho face Chloe Badham pop up again. It’s little more than an extended cameo, but she is great once again.<br /><br />And it’s not just the female cast members that bring their A-game.<br /><br />Baunsgard is awesome, bringing several layers to his portrayal of Larry, and nailing it throughout. <br /><br />Rogers also delivers in a major way.<br />(Ok, you’ll have to forgive this one but I’ve been dying to make this pun ever since I heard the role of Cleaver was being recast ) with Andrew M Greenwood stepping down as the lead antagonist, Rogers had some, ahem, ‘big shoes’ to fill.<br />Thankfully he does not disappoint. He manages to channel the essence of the character so the transition is not too jarring, but he also manages to bring some fresh ideas to the part, making it his own rather than a pale imitation.<br />Rogers is just one more reason why <i>CleaverS</i> connects.<br /><br />More than any other movie in the Mychoverse to date, <i>CleaverS</i> feels most like an ensemble piece. This means the characters tend to get more to do, and also ups the danger levels as we are never truly sure who will make it out alive. It’s this level of danger and breakneck pave that propel us on towards some very dark revelations - including one that hints at some fascinating possibilities for the series moving forward.<br /><br />Finally, I think real credit is due to Dixon for so effectively portraying his locations as those on an entirely different continent. I don’t think it will come as a huge surprise to hear that he didn’t fly his cast and crew over to the Mid West to shoot the film, instead cleverly using smartly dressed British rural locations and some expert tweaks on the colour scale to capture that sun-baked feeling. It’s truly masterful sleight of hand and warrants appreciation.<br />Bravo!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt2Nidyas10SnBIZ9ZafCytUt2KEyRizajQb4DbLN0uCAAVykybNA0PUKPf46011_f7ZEi5_oPNvqahyphenhyphenTpCRmN4UgQRQQSO2mjvKwl_SOZV4ZPdptcvTH6pS-T72m_lwFTU6F1zxMfQU/s1600/cleaversstill5_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt2Nidyas10SnBIZ9ZafCytUt2KEyRizajQb4DbLN0uCAAVykybNA0PUKPf46011_f7ZEi5_oPNvqahyphenhyphenTpCRmN4UgQRQQSO2mjvKwl_SOZV4ZPdptcvTH6pS-T72m_lwFTU6F1zxMfQU/s400/cleaversstill5_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> A regular point I have to make when reviewing indie horror flicks is that the comparatively low budgets can often leave movies feeling decidedly less slick than the sort of James Wan produced/directed multiplex offerings you’ll find on nationwide release. So consider that point raised here.<br /><br />Also, do please bear in mind that, while I praised <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9006968/?ref_=nv_sr_1">CleaverS</a></i> for making use of a sizeable and talented cast, the brisk pace of the film did leave me wishing that I could have seen a little more of some of them. Still, it’s a surefire sign of a good thing if you’re left wanting more!<br /><br />Speaking of the cast, there are a couple of occasions on which this very British group of actors wobble with their American accents. However, I think it’s a testimony to their ability that these times are so few and far between.<br /><br />Now, while not a weakness per se, I do feel a need to once again stress that this is a sequel. As such, some familiarity with its predecessor is definitely necessary to get the most out of <i>CleaverS</i>. It’s not impossible to keep up - and the clever opening scene does a pretty great job at bringing any newcomers up to date - but I’d recommend this as part of a double-Bill before calling a stand-alone. So why don’t you <a href="https://mycho.bigcartel.com/product/cleaver-killer-clown-region-free-dvd">pick up a region-free copy of the superb <i>Cleaver</i> here</a> before checking out the sequel at Horror-on-Sea in January?<br /><br />Finally, and this is very much an issue of personal taste, it feels like <i>CleaverS</i> could have been a bit gorier. The title lends itself to plenty of bloody onscreen carnage, as does the throwback feel to genre classics such as <i>TCM</i> and <i>The Hills Have Eyes</i>. It’s not that the film is bloodless - far from it, in fact, it features a couple of decidedly graphic kills - it just feels like it could have been a bit more splatter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQiv3D5uS180eCPi18JMusD95qtIXMWGofQ3NTaG5eNpJEFBvvXIWH0X5dW84vos4mBgFafEcTn6ebuf94MLUQMYzaxCd5ESs3WsjVZZNgsc-kZQ2wbnlaIJ3HRkBEkGNTv22HrJHRVo/s1600/cleaversstill6_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQiv3D5uS180eCPi18JMusD95qtIXMWGofQ3NTaG5eNpJEFBvvXIWH0X5dW84vos4mBgFafEcTn6ebuf94MLUQMYzaxCd5ESs3WsjVZZNgsc-kZQ2wbnlaIJ3HRkBEkGNTv22HrJHRVo/s400/cleaversstill6_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><b>THE VERDICT: </b>Right up until I watched <i>CleaverS</i>, I said that Mycho had never disappointed me.<br />After watching <i>CleaverS</i>... that STILL holds true! It’s a slick, sick, killer clown flick that highlights everything right with the Mychoverse. It looks great, it builds and expands on its own already fascinating universe and it doesn’t scrimp on the scares either! There are still places that this story can go, and I cannot wait for MJ, Anna and all the other good folk at Mycho to take us there.<br /><br />That not one but two great Mycho flicks should come along at once is incredible - that CleaverS and Bannister DollHouse should deliver while being so very different from one another is nothing short of a wonder. Attendees at Southend’s Horror-on-Sea Festival have a real treat in store this January. Want to be one of them? Well, you can buy tickets at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horror-on-sea.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1wzQAfuTf4HFTFUn90HqAv06RI75uWfouT_zkiLF6a7Rv2i6yCS4LLcP4&h=AT3n2PFOF62migjK-0D_It5n3VlAlGxdX15O_NYBV_FXzGzCVFoi-QXQ5Hgf1KrGgl2x3ybsnxS36v5AmspKRRvGMwEQ5pzAX-IFU_YKpX-Z2o9SLjm_AUpBHBoYUWrnli88HWym">www.horror-on-sea.com</a>.<br /><br />Meanwhile, keep up with <i>CleaverS</i> news at Mycho’s official website at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmycho.weebly.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0to2sv8ISHEb_0-lHNfRPQGb6DH5Vly-vzuloVArGulagHEPZbOvcFUaU&h=AT3n2PFOF62migjK-0D_It5n3VlAlGxdX15O_NYBV_FXzGzCVFoi-QXQ5Hgf1KrGgl2x3ybsnxS36v5AmspKRRvGMwEQ5pzAX-IFU_YKpX-Z2o9SLjm_AUpBHBoYUWrnli88HWym">https://mycho.weebly.com</a>. And check out <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mycho/overview">their Patreon here.</a><br /><br />If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page</a>, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors<br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span><div>
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Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-60418894698244000832018-11-22T15:08:00.001-08:002018-11-22T15:08:30.141-08:00RAW REVIEW: BANNISTER DOLLHOUSE <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mycho Entertainment is a company that I can’t help but root for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />From humble roots, founder MJ Dixon has built an original horror shared universe, one made up of seven full length movies and a number of shorts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />That an indie company is able to achieve this is already an impressive feat, but what really stands out is that there has not been a single misfire to date.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />So you can imagine my joy when Dixon offered The House an early look at his next two films in the series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />The first of these, <i>Bannister DollHouse</i> provides an origin for <i><a href="https://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.com/2017/01/raw-review-slasher-house-ii.html">Slasherhouse II</a>'</i>s extremely creepy Molly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Would it continue the streak of hits? Read on...<br /><br /><b>BANNISTER DOLLHOUSE </b><i>(2019)</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJJVehUg-P7GgOtwoQ0u-R4Le-BXZnogM_PkhCwp_3nIiTEYzlUllTUeEiwm454IOOsVwGIgHeQotQnYjFv967u-ZFm0zTWajz_txutGcY2OrcZQuDyCTzJMahi7JR0vrnreiENyDDyU/s1600/36331419_381133175741579_1510853474781233152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="679" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJJVehUg-P7GgOtwoQ0u-R4Le-BXZnogM_PkhCwp_3nIiTEYzlUllTUeEiwm454IOOsVwGIgHeQotQnYjFv967u-ZFm0zTWajz_txutGcY2OrcZQuDyCTzJMahi7JR0vrnreiENyDDyU/s400/36331419_381133175741579_1510853474781233152_n.jpg" width="282" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b>Dir: </b>MJ Dixon <br /><br /><br /><b>Stars: </b>Tiana Rogers, Grant Kempster, Susan Lee Burton, Emmeline Kellie, Chloe Badham<br /><br /><br /><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS:</b> I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.<br /><br /><i>Bannister DollHouse</i> continues the story started in the Mycho Patreon exclusive short Molly.<br /><br />It features the Bannister family, dad Kenneth (Kempster), mother Mary (Burton), and their three daughters - Sherry (Badham), Dottie (Kellie) and Molly (Rogers).<br /><br />Opening at Christmas, we witness a delighted Molly receive a gift of a decidedly unnerving doll from an unknown benefactor.<br /><br />Of the immediate family, only the eldest daughter, the feisty Sherry, spots something amiss and (following the chilling events already witnessed during the short film <i>Molly</i>) decides to investigate. However, something has its eye on her, and her actions lead to tragedy.<br /><br />A short while later the fractured family are still struggling to recover from the events of that fateful night. Ostracised Kenneth watches from afar, knowing that something is very very wrong with his youngest daughter.<br /><br />But even the most devoted of family members cannot ignore the escalating oddness of Molly’s behaviour, forcing the Bannisters to confront the dark and insidious force that has targeted them...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9aaymetBJn_twtG6G904HbtIQKN8_w7CMXBG_Y4LnoYlTtxEqKbZQRCyo6d_K8wxKeTsrSjt8HbKR5w9Ie_xDmJ9vM0CctdbYxqVKQJ4tdAVPoIND_SbUFRxbXfOnIAh5q0p0IXJyrw/s1600/still4_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9aaymetBJn_twtG6G904HbtIQKN8_w7CMXBG_Y4LnoYlTtxEqKbZQRCyo6d_K8wxKeTsrSjt8HbKR5w9Ie_xDmJ9vM0CctdbYxqVKQJ4tdAVPoIND_SbUFRxbXfOnIAh5q0p0IXJyrw/s400/still4_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>One of the great strengths of Mycho’s expanded universe is that different movies give director Dixon a differential sub-genre to play in - from classic slashers, to sci-fiesque comicbook action flick, to dark psychological thriller, the Mychoverse is exceptionally diverse. <i><a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/bannister.html">Bannister DollHouse </a></i> adds another new ‘flavour’ to the Mycho menu - the creepy supernatural chiller.<br /><br />It reminds me a lot of Blumhouse style modern haunting movies, themselves heavily influenced by classics such as <i>The Haunting</i>, <i>The Changeling</i> and<i> Poltergeist</i>. I know some may find the comparison insulting, but as a fan of the likes of <i>Insidious</i>, <i>Ouija</i> (well, the origin movie anyway), <i>The Conjuring</i> and it’s own demon doll spin offs <i>Annabelle</i> (and it’s vastly superior prequel), this is actually high praise. <br /><br /><i>Bannister DollHouse</i> exudes that throwback ‘spooky’ atmosphere - and is a real hit for it. <br /><br />Dixon is a talented filmmaker and his movies always look great - his framing of shots and visually striking colour palettes have only become better with each passing movie. This could be the best looking Mycho movie yet. At times some shots look like paintings and the clever use of colour motifs really pops. Bravo!<br /><br />Of course, good looks alone don’t make a good movie, there needs to be some substance too. Thankfully, Dixon’s script delivers. It’s a very different sort of story to those he usually tells - it’s less grounded and opens up a whole new corner of the Mychoverse (think of this as Mycho’s <i>Dr Strange</i>!)<br /><br />However, there’s no awkwardness in the transition and Dixon proves just as adept at this type of horror story too. There’s also a strong focus on character in this story, giving us a reason to care about the Bannister clan before the inevitable bloodshed. Too often overlooked in our genre in the past, it’s great to see filmmakers taking the efforts to earn an emotional investment from the audience.<br /><br />It certainly helps the cause that at the core of the movie there is a cast that are uniformly strong.<br /><br />Making her return to the Mycho fold having previously portrayed Molly in both 2016’s <i>Slasher House II</i> and the aforementioned short film, Rogers is pivotal to the success of the film. It’s a complicated role requiring real range, and she manages it with aplomb. While I suspect Molly Bannister’s story may be all but told, I’m sure Dixon will find a way to use her again (she’s clearly a favourite having appeared in 2015’s <i>Cleaver</i> too). Fingers crossed!<br /><br />Badham is another actress who Dixon has used multiple times and it’s easy to see why. She’s quite excellent and I think it’s telling that the only criticism I can find of her scenes is that I wish there were more of them!<br /><br />Burton is also excellent and takes a role that could well have fallen flat in lesser hands to major beleaguered mum Mary one of the film’s more interesting characters. A classy actress to watch, she strengthens every scene she’s in.<br /><br />Kempster is also great, and brings a nice degree of pathos to his role. Like both Rogers and Burton, his is a role that could decide whether the film holds up or falls down, and he shows he is more than up to the task with a nuanced performance.<br /><br />Kellie has plenty of experience and is just as strong as the other actors, even if she does have a little less to do. She’s definitely one to watch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, this isn’t a family drama - Mycho is an unapologetic creator of horror movies. A decent script and talented cast are all well and good, but what about the frights?<br /><br />Well, I think a strong argument can be made that this is one of the scariest films in the series. Tonally it’s definitely closer to Mycho’s genuinely unnerving Hollower than the more fun and in your face Slasher House flicks.<br /><br />There are some fantastically creepy set pieces and one of the more terrifying antagonists in the series - a demonic entity that is sure to chill the blood during each of its brief but memorable screen appearances.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtowmPQ_RBE1dyV8g1nwhHDPLEAwXAq2R-2TCcrHefaNA_htvPdU47tgdZwphqR1fXi3CRD7Kjkp535nmeBp_6NrFj_8bPelc1WlfpNQti0VcmechoTyLdZC28T9sjBcMiJF-8ZRH1BU/s1600/still8_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtowmPQ_RBE1dyV8g1nwhHDPLEAwXAq2R-2TCcrHefaNA_htvPdU47tgdZwphqR1fXi3CRD7Kjkp535nmeBp_6NrFj_8bPelc1WlfpNQti0VcmechoTyLdZC28T9sjBcMiJF-8ZRH1BU/s400/still8_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>Honestly, it feels churlish to find fault with a film like <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8636456/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Bannister DollHouse</a></i>, one that achieves so much with so little. In fact I’d go so far as to say that everything in this section of the review will amount to little more than nitpicking, but that is my job after all.<br /><br />I have referred to MJ Dixon as a microbudget maestro in the past. This is still true, but he is not a miracle worker. While I have likened <i>Bannister DollHouse</i> to the glossy output of Blumhouse, I do feel it is is worth stressing that is a low budget British indie horror movie without the substantial resources of colossal Hollywood studios. Yes it looks good, but do please adjust your expectations accordingly.<br /><br />Another quibble I have, is with some of the humour injected into proceedings at times. I understand that a film as dark and grim as this needs the tension to be broken at times, but some of the wisecracks felt a little jarring. Sadly the delivery just felt a little off on a couple of occasions too. Perhaps I was just in the mood to be scared? Nonetheless these instances were few and far between and certainly not a big enough deal to have much of an affect on my enjoyment of the film.<br /><br />Finally, as mentioned above, this is the latest chapter in an ongoing story of many chapters. First time Mycho viewers may find themselves a little daunted. Yes, this is a movie that rewards familiarity with the Mycho brand. However, this is not the equivalent of walking into Infinity War having never seen a Marvel Studios movie.<br /><br />In fact, B<i>annister DollHouse</i> is one of the best Mychoverse pictures from a stand-alone basis - and a lack of familiarity with <i>Slasher House II</i> would actually make the entire last act significantly more surprising! But do watch Molly to get the full story - and give those talented Mycho folk a bit more Patreon support while you’re at it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwJQUEup6b4dn35nbO_iqF4SL4wU2zExhOqYuPkz6LVJRt4Azp4ANpTSPM7PzzMI_w_plCIynQ0oK8rTprIfPdcaj3c5CofBD02uHNVOGgvs33QIWGsPSmp6yNc5h_kkFT9fQvSUGYVg/s1600/still6_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwJQUEup6b4dn35nbO_iqF4SL4wU2zExhOqYuPkz6LVJRt4Azp4ANpTSPM7PzzMI_w_plCIynQ0oK8rTprIfPdcaj3c5CofBD02uHNVOGgvs33QIWGsPSmp6yNc5h_kkFT9fQvSUGYVg/s400/still6_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>THE VERDICT: </b>I often review Mycho’s movies positively here at The House. I make no secret of my admiration for what MJ, Anna, and their network of talented collaborators have achieved.<br /><br />But do not let that trick you into thinking that the movies they create are not worthy of the praise I give them - especially this one.<br /><br />Putting it simply, <i>Bannister DollHouse</i> is one of the best movies they have made, and a genuine must-see. It’s a dark, creepy spookfest with enough frights to chill the most hardened of horror-loving hearts.<br /><br />With a superb cast, visuals and plot, this is the real deal - and more than worthy of the Mycho name.<br /><br />The next effor<i>t CleaverS</i> has certainly got its work cut out following this - stay tuned to see how it fares.<br /><br /><br />Both <i>Bannister DollHouse</i> and <i>CleaverS</i> will have their world premieres at the Horror-on-Sea festival at Southend’s Park Inn Palace Hotel in January. You can buy tickets at <a href="http://www.horror-on-sea.com./">www.horror-on-sea.com.</a><br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, keep up with <i>Bannister DollHouse </i>news at Mycho’s official web site at <a href="https://mycho.weebly.com/">https://mycho.weebly.com</a>. And check out <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mycho/overview">their Patreon here</a>.<br /><br /><br />If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors<br /><br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></div>
Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-87918025052438695192017-11-01T09:20:00.000-07:002018-11-05T13:47:54.424-08:00RAW REVIEW: MASK OF THORN<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anybody looking at Universal Studios' continued woes bringing its <i>Dark Universe</i> to fruition could be forgiven for thinking that it is extremely difficult creating an expanded cinematic universe in our beloved horror genre.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But those of you familiar with the work of British indie production company <i><a href="http://mycho.weebly.com/">Mycho Entertainment</a></i> would also know that this is certainly not true. As auteur MJ Dixon has proven since the release of the stellar <i>Slasher House</i> back in 2012, all that is required is a singular vision, careful planning and a whole lot of effort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fans of Dixon will be aware that some of the first seeds of the Mychoverse were sewn back in the short-film <i>Thorn</i>, when the titular hulking, masked slasher monster made his first appearance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since then Thorn has gone on to steal the show in <i>Slasher House</i>, then expand on his mysterious backstory in the movie's first sequel, 2014's <i>Legacy of Thorn</i>. It was in this film that we learnt the monstrous Thorn re-emerges in the small town of Avondale every leap year on 29th February.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So with four years nearly up, it's time for Dixon's masked maniac to re-emerge — he's back in the soon to be released <i>Mask of Thorn</i>, a prequel to <i>Legacy</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So do Mycho have another micro budget masterpiece on their hands?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>MASK OF THORN </b>(2017)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Dir: </b>MJ Dixon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Stars:</b> Eve Kathryn Oliver, Sophie Bryant, Maria Lee Metherington, Lydia Cashman, Martin W. Payne, Tracey Chatterley, William Marshall, Michael Batty, Eduardo Cupi, George Horn, Clarke Tribe, Atticus Machiavellian</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS:</b> I'll try not to spoil too much here, but continue at your own risk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Mask of Thorn</i> opens with a superb sequence in Avondale General Hospital in the early Seventies. A mysterious patient, Mina (Metherington) who vanished some time ago, is admitted in a terrible state, desperately holding her newborn daughter close.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the confused night skeleton shift try to tend to their charges, an unexpected power outage heralds the arrival of a colossal masked man who proceeds to butcher all in his way. Yet, as deadly as he is in his own right, it soon becomes apparent that the monstrous Thorn may not be acting alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flash forward to the mid-Eighties and we meet sweet Bethany (Oliver), who is about to celebrate her sixteenth birthday, despite the reservations of her strict and uptight parents, Derek (Payne) and Joyce (Chatterley). As her parents leave to prepare for Bethany's party, they instruct her that somebody will come to collect her later that evening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, they reckoned without the influence of Bethany's bad-girl best friend Olivia (Bryant) and her group of rebellious pals who whisk Bethany away for a surprise party in the now empty high school building.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the youngsters party, they are blissfully unaware that Thorn is once again stalking the streets of Avondale seeking prey... but he has a dogged adversary of his own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> Regular readers of this blog will know I've got a real soft spot for Mycho's output, even <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/the-houses-top-10-horror-films-2016.html">ranking <i>Hollower</i> among my favourite films of 2016</a> and penning this glowing review for <i><a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/raw-review-slasher-house-ii.html">Slasher House II</a>. </i>The feats that Dixon and his crew achieve with such modest budgets are truly bewildering, and I'm delighted to say that <i>Mask of Thorn</i> continues Mycho's run of indie classics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Needless to say, a familiarity with the previous entries in the Mychoverse will be rewarded (with a couple of familiar, albeit younger, characters making a return) but perhaps the greatest achievement that Dixon manages is to make this story strong enough to stand on its own two feet. There will be no confused head-scratching from first time Mychoers here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dixon's script is intelligent and full of references to classic horror movies, especially the <i>Halloween</i> franchise. I couldn't help but laugh at fellow critics who came down hard on Mycho's Cleaver as a mere <i>Halloween</i> rip-off. They had clearly missed the point — that the killer clown tale was actually an intelligent and well-intentioned homage to the grandfather (and arguably the very greatest) of slasher flicks. This continues (albeit more subtly) in <i><a href="http://mycho.weebly.com/movies.html">Mask of Thorn</a></i> — from the <i>Halloween II</i>-esque hospital opening sequence (which was among my favourites in the movie) right through to the black robed cultists of the later sequels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, that's not to say that <i>Mask of Thorn</i> does not deliver in its own right. While the story skips the intricate flashforward/flashback structure of <i>Legacy of Thorn</i>, it's still very intelligent and delivers some superb spooky moments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The film looks great, and I was genuinely shocked to hear that it cost about half of the budget assigned to <i>Legacy</i> — this is a movie that looks polished far beyond its means, from clever Eighties set aesthetics (and costumes), right down to some shockingly gruesome gore effects. Let us not forget, that despite its more complex mythology, <i>Mask of Thorn</i> is a slasher movie first and foremost, and slashers NEED to deliver a bodycount.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is certainly on hand in this latest Mychoverse offering, with Thorn rending helpless victims left, right and centre with his trademark over-sized machetes, or his bare hands. There's a sizeable cast of suitable cannon-fodder, which the bad guy makes short work of.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, there are also plenty of well-rounded characters who give the viewer more than enough to root for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, a character is only as good as the actor or actress that brings them to life, and <i>Mask of Thorn</i> boasts a quartet of exceptional actresses in key roles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oliver brings a sweet naivety to our heroine Bethany. She's cute, likeable and portrays the character with a vulnerability that is key to gaining audience sympathy. She's certainly one to watch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So too is the excellent young Bryant, who gives a real nuanced performance as Olivia, capturing her character's tough but loyal qualities brilliantly. Bravo, young miss!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elsewhere the spiky Cashman (who Mycho fans might recognise from the spine-chilling short, <i>In Tents</i>) plays the baddest of bad girls Julia with plenty of attitude. She's clearly having a ball with her role and so did I! This is a fun character brought to life fantastically through a fun performance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, the exceptional Metherington is given plenty to do in her role and she is more than up to the task. She is absolutely great, and shows her full range throughout the film.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it's not just the girls who deliver the goods here, there are some great performances fro the guys too. I particularly liked Tribe's snarling tough guy act, while the icy buttoned-up work from Payne was also very impressive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot of people seem to think that the role of silent slasher villain doesn't offer much of a challenge, but there are plenty of subtle touches required to make a memorable monster. Just look at how beloved Kane Hodder is with genre fans for his portrayal of archetypal boogeyman Jason Voorhees. These subtleties are not lost on Machiavellian who brings Thorn to life with a barely contained seething rage. He clearly <i>gets</i> how to do horror. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always loved the character design for Thorn, and with his hulking frame, cruelly grinning skull face and otherworldly glowing blue eyes, Thorn looks as badass as ever here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final thing I want to single out for praise is the awesome Eighties-style end credit track by HockeyMask Heroes. Bringing to mind power rock anthems such as <i>Dream Warriors</i> by Dokken, <i>He's Back (The Man Behind The Mask)</i> by Alice Cooper or <i>Shocker</i> by The Dudes of Wrath, it's not just a great theme, it's a cool track in its own right. There are a few faux Eighties tracks on the movies soundtrack and, to a child of the Eighties, all are quite excellent. Top work gents!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6576144/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">Mask of Thorn</a></i> is an exceptional low-budget slasher movie. However, it IS a low-budget slasher movie. Movie accustomed to the glossy production values of Blumhouse's cinematic blockbusters may find the more rough and ready feel of most of Mycho's works a little jarring. This is a great movie, a top-notch slasher, but do please adjust expectations accordingly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the most part <i>Mask of Thorn</i> overcomes any budgetary constraints but every now and then there is the odd, very minor lapse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The same came be said of the cast — while the standouts mentioned above really are quite wonderful, some of the other actors don't quite hit their lofty standards. There are no consistently poor performances, but every now and then some line deliveries feel a little stilted or wooden. Still, this is very much a rare occurrence and certainly does not serve to provide any severe hindrance to enjoyment of the movie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, while the movie certainly expands on the mythos of Thorn, it still leaves plenty of unanswered questions, and isn't really the origin story that some fans may be expecting. Here's hoping in four years time we'll be seeing Dixon's metal-masked monster return once more — I'd certainly be down with a <i>Birth of Thorn</i> or <i>Cult of Thorn</i> tale!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE VERDICT:</b> In the past I've said that I'd love to see a studio throw a big budget at MJ Dixon to see what he could do with those sorts of resources. Well now I've changed my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Mask of Thorn</i> is the latest in a long line of exceptional fright flicks from Mycho that show Dixon and co don't need an astronomical budget to deliver. I don't want studio executives getting in Dixon's ear telling him what to do, I want more of this talented director's work on his own terms. I want the much needed follow-up to <i>Cleaver</i>, I want to see <i>Mychoverse: Phase Two</i> featuring <i>Slasher House II</i>'s villains, and, most of all, I want to see Red and the Demon settle their long-standing feud once and for all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In <i>Mask of Thorn</i> we see everything that has made Mycho a genre fan-favourite. It's a throwback slasher with modern attitude, blood and guts with brains, and one of the very finest UK indie horrors in years. Highly, highly recommended.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Mask of Thorn</i> will be released in 2018. Until then, why not keep up with any news over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maskofthorn/?hc_ref=ARTVyByvMZLKPJQE_haFJuDx5TWEXydTO8Nzxu9FBBEoIYdkmqTPq3C2suwezFKc0eY&fref=gs&dti=181494635375595&hc_location=group">the film's official Facebook page, which you can find here</a>. Give it a like while you're there too, I'm sure the guys and gals at Mycho would appreciate it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors" style="text-decoration: none;">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-65358668451636262992017-07-05T05:31:00.003-07:002017-07-05T05:31:48.389-07:00LET'S MAKE ANNIVERSARY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The House is a big fan of Jason Vail, loving his turns in <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/raw-review-valley-of-sasquatch.html">Valley of the Sasquatch</a>, <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/film4-frightfest-special-short-review_30.html">Crowhand</a>, <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/scary-cinematic-snapshot-dorchesters.html">Dollface (AKA Dorchester's Revenge: The Return of Crinoline Head 2)</a>, <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/raw-review-family-possessions.html">Family Possessions</a> and <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/raw-review-cabin.html">The Cabin</a>.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well now the multi-talented Vail is looking to produce, direct and star in an adaptation of <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Arylias">Arylias Nova</a>'s chilling short story, <i>Anniversary</i>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dw3CmfwJ9Gj2SfAiXC8gGrVXLsshS5QuEqqpu_TQEOfFOEmDs7yTx-uHYD2rkKHvGcK9pfbVW9aUYkmDD444zKLme47AtxBTuKYY5AabXzOnpjd9uJ6QGYVYXKBzuUfjix4oPVX5aS4/s1600/422a7c92ccbaab8229ef6ddec49193cd_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dw3CmfwJ9Gj2SfAiXC8gGrVXLsshS5QuEqqpu_TQEOfFOEmDs7yTx-uHYD2rkKHvGcK9pfbVW9aUYkmDD444zKLme47AtxBTuKYY5AabXzOnpjd9uJ6QGYVYXKBzuUfjix4oPVX5aS4/s400/422a7c92ccbaab8229ef6ddec49193cd_original.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this is where you guys come in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vail and Nova have launched a Kickstarter to raise funds for the film and are already halfway to their very modest target. But what they need is one last push to get there, so check it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are number of very cool perks available, including signed DVDs and posters which can be mailed to anywhere in the world (including here in the UK).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So come on guys, let's do this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2032069650/anniversary-indie-film?ref=user_menu">YOU CAN SUPPORT ANNIVERSARY HERE</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors <span2167679><span3380652>Facebook page</span3380652></span2167679>, which you can find <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors" style="text-decoration: none;">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from <span2167679><span3380652>around the web</span3380652></span2167679>. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your <span7012979>stay</span7012979>.</span></span></div>
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Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-37667700421048120612017-06-13T12:08:00.000-07:002018-11-22T11:57:24.188-08:00DARK WEB: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CREEPYPASTA PART 34: CHANNEL ZERO - AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NICK ANTOSCA<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">THIS FEATURE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED AT UK HORROR SCENE <a href="http://www.ukhorrorscene.com/dark-web-steven-hickeys-essential-guide-to-creepypasta-part-34-channel-zero-an-exclusive-interview-with-nick-antosca/">HERE</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ALL SUBSEQUENT FEATURES WILL APPEAR THERE FIRST</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my last Dark Web feature I wrote about how Creepypasta is fast becoming a recognised sub-genre that, rather than cater to a fervent and enthusiastic minority, is starting to branch out into the mainstream. Since the runaway success of The Walking Dead blew open the doors for horror genre television, television producers have sought a ready supply of recognisable brands of dark fiction.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Comics such as Outcast and Preacher have yielded results, but there is no denying that web publishing is a veritable goldmine for horror stories.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the first shows to recognise this fact is the superb Channel Zero.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8d1if-iwqjYWR6VkxcB-bnHh5QpUVzisE-JoSFl5qGGE005sfCOnoWnFc70MLbCrUt2hvOrT8Q4glxa8QRiN8CBVo30kXS_FihzVj2JYipi4ZYpEzDByNdq6XsP7ALMGUjAWn4wRHsEw/s1600/cz1-200x300.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8d1if-iwqjYWR6VkxcB-bnHh5QpUVzisE-JoSFl5qGGE005sfCOnoWnFc70MLbCrUt2hvOrT8Q4glxa8QRiN8CBVo30kXS_FihzVj2JYipi4ZYpEzDByNdq6XsP7ALMGUjAWn4wRHsEw/s400/cz1-200x300.jpg" width="266" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having just wrapped up its first critically acclaimed season on Syfy, with a second confirmed for late 2017, the show is the brainchild of gifted author and screenwriter, Nick Antosca.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2015 the station announced that it had greenlit two six episode seasons, both of which were to be based on popular creepypastas. The first would focus on Kris Straub’s excellent Candle Cove, a story <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/dark-web-essential-guide-to-creepypasta.html">I covered here back in February</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second would cover Brian Russell’s equally popular NoEnd House.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘We love the idea of doing seasons of TV like rich, character-driven horror novels, and for Channel Zero: Candle Cove we’ve expanded this great short story Candle Cove into something really nightmarish and haunting and surreal,’ Antosca and fellow executive producer Max Landis said in a joint statement. ‘We can’t wait to dig in deeper and bring this to life with Syfy and Universal Cable Productions.’</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Casting notices followed, an on 20 June this year a Variety exclusive article announced that Paul Schneider and Fiona Shaw would star in the first season.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was followed by the reveal that Craig William Macneill (director of The Boy) would be behind the camera for all six episodes of the season. This was quite the coup for the show and interest intensified massively.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the hype machine gathered more momentum, we finally started to learn more about the show’s storyline.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was revealed that Schneider would play Mike Painter, a child psychologist who returns to his childhood hometown of Iron Hill to investigate the mysterious disappearance of several children back in the 1980s, including his twin brother, Eddie (with child actor Luca Villacis portraying both of the young Painter boys). He has reason to believe that these unsolved crimes could be related to a mysterious and creepy children’s television show, the titular Candle Cove, but his return to the town kickstarts a new and terrifying chain of events. Aided by his reluctant mother, Marla (Shaw) and childhood sweetheart Jessica (Natalie Brown), Mike must solve the mystery before a new generation of children succumb to the evil that devastated his life 30 years ago.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg7wtxGjA4G0wtEwUMkeBWZlaCyeKkCazqfcB5OsXKThElFzTrqz7GyOwOevHU4QJsFa8uTvDvppNpxudfJGVISqXCexWbdeRkcnFF12ENYsZip-htYSnHl_OMzwCM3ZUzdD9b42UgR0/s1600/cz-paul-schneider-and-fiona-shaw-300x169.jpg"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg7wtxGjA4G0wtEwUMkeBWZlaCyeKkCazqfcB5OsXKThElFzTrqz7GyOwOevHU4QJsFa8uTvDvppNpxudfJGVISqXCexWbdeRkcnFF12ENYsZip-htYSnHl_OMzwCM3ZUzdD9b42UgR0/s400/cz-paul-schneider-and-fiona-shaw-300x169.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, using a well-known short story for inspiration is one thing — using it well is quite another. What works in literature does not always translate as well to the screen, while stretching a few hundred words to fill six hours of screen time is obviously a huge challenge.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily, it was one in which Macneill, Antosca, Landis and their crew were more than up to the task.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What he did was use the Candle Cove story as a jumping on point for a massively expanded tale which took in a large cast of characters and an even richer mythology.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, Kris Straub’s fictional nightmarish children's show is present and depicted very faithfully indeed, but some of the show’s most chilling creations (such as the deeply disturbing Tooth Child) are brand new, original creations for Antosca’s story.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The show gives Candle Cove’s fans everything they want, but it also gives the viewer new, compelling characters and situations optimised for visual storytelling.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally the show debuted on 11 October and, over the following five weeks it told a deeply compelling and legitimately unsettling story that won plenty of fans.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proving a resounding success with critics (<a href="http://www.metacritic.com/tv/channel-zero">the show boasts a solid 75/100 rating at Metacritic</a> — and a whopping <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/channel_zero/s01/">92% at Rotten Tomatoes</a>) and with much buzz already surrounding a second season which is still quite a wait away, Channel Zero proves what Creepypasta fans have known for years — the next wave of classic horror fiction is already here, just waiting to be discovered in the darkest recesses of the internet.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, the show would never have proven such a triumph in the hands of a less talented show-runner, and it is for precisely this reason that we all owe Nick Antosca a debt of gratitude.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what is next for Nick and his groundbreaking creation? Well, I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with him about Channel Zero and it gives me tremendous pleasure to present our interview below.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HICKEY’S HOUSE OF HORRORS: </b>Hi Nick, and thank you so much for agreeing to speak to Hickey’s House of Horrors about Channel Zero.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, why creepypasta? Translating bite-sized literature into serialised visual media isn't the most obvious of steps, so what inspired you to do so?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NICK ANTOSCA: </b>Great ideas can come from anywhere. Candle Cove was such an exciting story to adapt, and I just thought why not do more? I love that the best of these stories are a strong, terrifying concept that you can build on. They leave room for creativity.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49PKUKvPV0hi8_rONHeGdPtdS5NC_Ca_IwRrwv5Ebp97itjrD1k7D8x2ecXZ0_8gSyU7ujnjm0u51aguX40UMLJhIe6H162iLfKg2CIIgleox0DzBrQqcnSDCnYHjVaLsYu9ArtvHmFw/s1600/czNick-Antosca-200x200.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49PKUKvPV0hi8_rONHeGdPtdS5NC_Ca_IwRrwv5Ebp97itjrD1k7D8x2ecXZ0_8gSyU7ujnjm0u51aguX40UMLJhIe6H162iLfKg2CIIgleox0DzBrQqcnSDCnYHjVaLsYu9ArtvHmFw/s400/czNick-Antosca-200x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>Why do you think Creepypasta has resonated so well with the fandom?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>There's something about the "true story" quality of the best ones. Great creepypasta stories tend to capture a feeling of familiarity. You feel like they're describing something that happened to a friend of yours one time.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH:</b> How did it feel to see the tremendous reception that Channel Zero received from critics and viewers alike? Why do you think it was so well-received by audiences?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>You don't necessarily get a lot of chances to make a TV show, so I feel like if you get to do it, make sure it's something you'd want to do watch and that you'll be proud of later. Craig and I were really just trying to make the kind of horror we wanted to watch. So it was really gratifying that viewers and critics seemed to respond to it.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>The choices of creepypasta of the first two seasons of the show suggest that the Channel Zero team are fans of the genre. It would have been easy to adapt more well-known and ‘trendy’ stories such as Slenderman, Jeff the Killer or the Rake, but instead with Candle Cove and NoEnd House, you've picked stories with serious fan cred. Are you guys pasta fans? If so, what are some of your favourites?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>Of course we're fans! Some other favorites (and this does not mean we'll necessarily adapt any of these if we get another season, just that I personally like these stories) are Goatman, Search and Rescue Woods (aka "the staircase one"), Abandoned by Disney, Ted the Caver, and Psychosis.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>Why did you pick Candle Cove? And why NoEnd House?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>Those two stories are perfect examples of the kind of story we want to adapt — distinctive, iconic concepts that we can build worlds around. A mysterious kids' TV show. A sinister horror house. Plus a great sense of atmosphere and dread.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>What challenges came with adapting such well-loved stories?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>It was important to preserve the sense of eerie dread that's baked into the stories. We wanted to build worlds and mythologies out of these very short stories, but we had to make sure the spirit of the originals didn't get lost. It's easy to do jump scares but it's harder to create six hours of slow-building nightmare.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>One of the first season's biggest strengths was the manner in which you faithfully adapted a relatively small-scale story but built on this mythos to tell a bigger, yet more personal story. Is this the route you plan to go with subsequent seasons, taking a strong core premise and giving it your own unique spin?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>Yes, that's a good way of putting it. That's pretty much exactly what I hope to do. Each season will have a different visual style and cinematic voice, though.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>I was fortunate enough to interview Kris Straub last year and he was very excited about your vision for Candle Cove. What was it like working with him? And how were things with NoEnd House's Brian Russell?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>I love Kris's story and I'm really glad he's into the show. I sent him the pilot script to approve before we got greenlit and we kept in touch throughout, but the actual writing process was pretty separate. Brian is actually working on The Exorcist on Fox right now, so we had lunch early in the NEH process and he's read the first couple scripts. Both writers are awesome and I'm grateful to them for letting us create elaborate fanfiction based on their stories.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>Channel Zero has assembled a tremendous cast for both seasons. How important was it to find the right actors rather than 'flavour of the month' names? Can we expect to see you work with any of the season one cast again?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>I can't overstate the importance. Cast distinguishes something like this.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the advantages of being kind of an under-the-radar, low-profile show when we were in production is that we were able to go after actors based purely on talent, rather than the casting department's idea of a "get" or someone with a big social media following.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH: </b>While I understand that from a contract standpoint it's very difficult to discuss future plans for Channel Zero, do you feel at liberty to tell us any more about plans you might have for the show? Are there any stories you'd be keen to cover in future seasons?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA: </b>I know what story I want to do if we get a third season. I can't say what it is yet, though.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HHoH:</b> And finally, something a little more fun here, I've seen some wonderful examples of fan art on the web (including some awesome Toothchild images). Are there any pieces of art that have impressed you or the Channel Zero cast and crew?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>NA:</b> Fan art? Yeah, I'm impressed whenever anyone creates Channel Zero fan art, for sure. I like everything I've seen!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you want to find out more about Nick, Channel Zero and his other upcoming projects, be sure to follow him over at twitter: @NickAntosca</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With touted movie adaptations of multiple Creepypasta properties, plus the second season of Channel Zero on the way, now, more than ever, is an exciting time to be a creepypasta fan.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Come back next time when I’ll sit down to talk to another of the genre’s most prestigious, recognised and lauded authors over his substantial body of work within the community.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-88596786399218576622017-05-31T06:05:00.000-07:002017-05-31T06:21:15.633-07:00RAW REVIEW: CAGE<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />Longterm readers of Hickey's House of Horrors may well remember <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/raw-review-cutting-room.html">my coverage of Brit chiller, <i>The Cutting Room</i></a>, back in May 2015. I imagine quite of few of you will in fact, as that review is my second most popular post here of all time!<br /><br />So when the talented director of that film, Warren Dudley, asked if I'd like to take a look at his latest movie, <i>Cage</i>, which reunited him with <i>Cutting Room </i>star Lucy-Jane Quinlan, I was very quick to agree! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More of a psychological thriller than an out-and-out horror flick, would Cage build on the tremendous potential on display in <i>The Cutting Room</i>? Or would it leave me wanting to Dudley behind bars?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>CAGE </b>(2017)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Dir: </b>Warren Dudley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Stars: </b>Lucy-Jane Quinlan, Patrick Bergin, Jake Unsworth, Sharon Drain, Andy Costello</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </b>I'll try not to spoil too much here, but continue at your own risk...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gracie (Quinlan) is a down on her luck mother, desperate to regain custody of her child. With little in the way of income, Gracie has taken a job on a chat line to raise funds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While this pays the bills, it isn't enough to help in her legal battle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All seems lost, until one of her clients (Bergin) offers to pay her handsomely for a special, 'one-night only' personal visit. At her wits' end, Gracie reluctantly travels to the meeting point... only to later wake up trapped in a cage in a large industrial building. With only her phone for company (albeit with the warning that any attempt to notify the authorities to her predicament will result in severe punishment), Gracie is chained and incarcerated, without a clue as to location.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As her mother (Drain) and worried boyfriend Eddy (Unsworth) try to work out where she is, Gracie finds herself </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at the mercy of the whims of her abductor...</span><br />
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</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> With just a single character onscreen, in what is essentially a single setting, <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5001426/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_10">Cage</a></i> is a daring film. With what could be perceived as 'limited' scope, it would be very easy for an audience to lose patience and for attentions to drift if the film were to falter or stumble.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, Dudley is more than up to the task. His story unfolds slowly and steadily, carefully deep-feeding the audience with its reveals and taking its time. That's not to say that it is dull, instead each revelation is given proper time to breathe and for the audience to process and feel its impact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are quiet moments in the film that have such emotional weight they hit far harder than any flashy big budget action sequences. I'll try to avoid spoiling them here (doing so really would rob the viewer of a lot of the enjoyment to be taken from the movie), but suffice to say one major reveal that was cleverly foreshadowed throughout the preceding scenes hits with a real gut-punch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, this story more than any other is VERY heavily reliant on its star delivering the goods. As the only face we see, Quinlan is asked to shoulder a massive responsibility to provide a compelling performance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my review of <i>The Cutting Room</i>, I wrote:</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> She is quite the talent, handling some charged and challenging scenes with aplomb. She is definitely one to watch!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems that my words have been proven right. Quinlan is excellent in <i>Cage</i>, giving her character a natural likability and emoting impressively throughout the heavier scenes — no easy task when you remember that she has no other actor to hand with whom to bounce her performance off. She gives Gracie a flawed vulnerability, imbuing her with the quiet desperation that is so important to understanding some of the decidedly reckless acts she commits, and more importantly, she does a great job of getting the viewer to actually care what happens to her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's more, she even manages a pretty damn good American accent throughout the film too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The voice talent also delivers the goods admirably, especially Drain's increasingly frantic mother and the cold, calculating kidnapper voiced by recognisable Hollywood talent, Bergin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drain provides emotional stimulus for Gracie's character, adding a more sympathetic, human counterpart for our lead to interact with. Voice acting is difficult to get right, often sounding somewhat stilted, but that's no problem here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The impressive Unsworth is also very good, and gets the opportunity to deliver quite a range of emotions, a task with which he is more than up to the job.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back to Bergin, we are given the villain of our movie, a character who is mysterious and clearly unhinged, even if he is able to remain deceptively calm and even charming. Exactly what this man's motives are is one of the puzzles of Dudley's clever puzzle box of a script, and Bergin is able to carry that across in subtle intonation and flawless timing. This is a talented, experienced actor and he shows that in spades with such simple but exceptionally smart delivery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This focus on dialogue may make it sound like Cage is a static or listless visual spectacle. I'm pleased to say this is not the case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clever editing and camerawork ensure that the movie never feels stagnant, keeping the viewer's attention pinned to the screen. Dudley proved an accomplished filmmaker with The Cutting Room, but he was aided somewhat by the Found Footage style of that movie, a device that restricts ambition for the sake of authenticity. He has no such constraints here and, I'm very pleased to say, he more than matches the potential hinted at with his previous effort. Once again, Warren Dudley proves to be a director to watch out for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): </b>Perhaps the most important point to stress is that <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cagethemovie/">Cage</a></i> is very much a psychological thriller, not an out-and-out horror movie, per se. If you're expecting a substantial bodycount and gallons of gore, this slower, more intimate and personal story may not be for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, one of the issues of any movie that presents you with a hypothetical conundrum (a 'what-if-that-happened-to-me?' scenario) is that it encourages you to put yourself in the lead's shoes and to formulate your own escape plan. It also encourages you to forensically nitpick that same lead's own efforts to free herself and, in <i>Cage</i>, there are a couple of moments when Gracie's behaviour may extract some weary sighs and eye-rolls. Very early on she starts to work her way through the potential padlock combinations on the chain that keeps her bound to the bed, but this is something she then regularly abandons, before coming back to it intermittently. As pretty much the ONLY way she could hope to free herself, this does beggar belief somewhat. I suppose this can be written away by the fact that Gracie, a woman who is already unravelling under the pressures and stresses of her life, is not thinking clearly. She has been abducted and has a number of fears relating to events on the outside of the cage, so perhaps she is struggling with rational thought? It's a strong enough reason to explain some of her less intelligent decisions, so perhaps we should just roll with that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Furthermore, the titular cage itself is not as sturdy a structure as I imagine was envisioned during the writing of the movie. Sure, it's a decent size, but the bars do appear pretty breakable. Perhaps this is just a result of budget constraints, and I do need to remember that young Ms Quinlan is certainly not a 6ft 3, 15-stone lump like this humble reviewer, so she'd certainly struggle more to escape!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back to those budget constraints. It's worth mentioning that <i>Cage</i> is clearly a lower budget movie than some of the big, shiny crowd-pleasers you're going to see at your local cinema. Dudley has very cleverly stretched his budget as far as it will go, utilising a stripped back cast and set to mask any shortfalls, but if you're more used to the likes of Jason Blumhouse's shiny horror flicks or glossy Hollywood thrillers, you may need to lower your expectations somewhat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THE VERDICT: </b><i>Cage</i> is not a flawless thriller, but it is a very, very good one. Some minor grumbles aside, the intelligent plotting, skilled direction and a stand-out performance from a talented young lead make it a movie that is more than worth your time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cage</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is that it actually managed to raise the already high levels of esteem with which I already regarded its director and its star. I do hope these two continue to collaborate, because I cannot wait to see what they do next!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Cage</i> is available to buy on DVD at Amazon <a href="http://amzn.to/2qFReIS">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can check out the movie's official Facebook page here</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors<br /><br />Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-25666682352260557382017-05-07T05:30:00.001-07:002017-05-07T05:30:44.501-07:00DARK WEB: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CREEPYPASTA - PART 33: JASON THE TOYMAKER<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">THIS FEATURE FIRST APPEARED AT UK HORROR SCENE <a href="http://www.ukhorrorscene.com/tag/jason-the-toymaker/">HERE</a>. ALL SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS WILL APPEAR THERE FIRST.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are a number of sites online that have become breeding grounds for Creepypasta.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As well as the obvious <a href="http://www.creepypasta.com/charles-bonnet-syndrome/">(creepypasta.com</a>, <a href="http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Creepypasta_Wiki">the creepypasta wikia</a>), there are some others that are regularly responsible for some of the most famous online horrors, such as the nosleep and creepypasta subreddits.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another of these — one which offers the fantastic opportunity to incorporate detailed visuals into the storyteller’s products — is DeviantArt.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There has been a real surge in the creation of original characters (referred to as OCs by the pasta community), with plenty of users trying to create the next web horror icon.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With literally hundred of fascinating monsters to choose from, this is an area that I’m sure I will return to again and again, but for now, I’m going to look at a character (and a story), that best encapsulates the good and the bad of DeviantArt fandom, Kristantyl’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason the Toy Maker</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGAey32WO_xsVbf9qaVDxQNUDREsKqqNxyJsieXFHrXxhsnWY-wycsrg6zw2_NUnEZYGp6scy2kmOX1BFeRwb6rFrLL4CurPi5xYujSHYnv73OU8lyG4rYqQVgRyI-OcKGfyo6cKPIDY/s1600/jtt1-300x221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGAey32WO_xsVbf9qaVDxQNUDREsKqqNxyJsieXFHrXxhsnWY-wycsrg6zw2_NUnEZYGp6scy2kmOX1BFeRwb6rFrLL4CurPi5xYujSHYnv73OU8lyG4rYqQVgRyI-OcKGfyo6cKPIDY/s400/jtt1-300x221.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first image of Jason appeared on Kristantyl’s DeviantArt page back on 11 November 2014. Several other images of the striking Jason followed. Jason boasts a visually arresting design, with a decidedly Japanese/anime feel. Jason’s stylish and intimidating look quite closely resembles the sort of character that might play a boss role in one of SNK’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fatal Fury</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Art of Fighting</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">King of Fighters </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">series of games.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kristantyl’s art is, putting it mildly, pretty damn brilliant and with each subsequent image she honed the feel of the character, plus added supporting characters, such as Jason’s toy sidekicks Liquirizia (a wind-up toy mouse that acts as Jason’s spy), Red Mouse (a dangerous weapon, an explosive wind-up mouse) and Mr Glutton (a gigantic stuffed toy snake). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, these characters all suggest a far deeper backstory, one which Kristantyl herself told over at her DeviantArt journal. You can read the story over at Melindiaden’s page <a href="http://melindiaden.deviantart.com/art/Creepypasta-Jason-The-Toy-Maker-619191603">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a fascinating and very well told story. The first thing to remember is that Kristantyl’s first language is NOT English, so it’s unfair to blame any clunkiness in the translation on her. Instead it is better to focus on the eerie, dream-like feel the story conjures up.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The story follows a young adopted girl named Maggie and the curious phobia she feels towards her toys. Haunted by dreams with a mysterious and possessive entity, Maggie along with her close friend Daisy, comes to realise that her life has been inextricably bound to that of a mysterious and otherworldly entity — Jason.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And Jason is not prepared to share her with anybody…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzDjhewbSIcBZj2x8wWH_3ujH8Gc2oFz-4EZAH8XMG9RexvooDg7i7IBdpEoUrmMnpzEm_aFYXZ3_Uq8TNgMtouvjP8iMSOAxisDID44r4W9_rKNJIsb27-fai5DF0lXKc0dK88Xu_Yo/s1600/jtt2-300x226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzDjhewbSIcBZj2x8wWH_3ujH8Gc2oFz-4EZAH8XMG9RexvooDg7i7IBdpEoUrmMnpzEm_aFYXZ3_Uq8TNgMtouvjP8iMSOAxisDID44r4W9_rKNJIsb27-fai5DF0lXKc0dK88Xu_Yo/s400/jtt2-300x226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve spoken before about how the subversion of the innocence of childhood is an effective and powerful horror tool. By bringing back the irrational fears we felt during our most vulnerable period, childhood horror is deeply disturbing. It is precisely this warping of the familiar and comforting memories of our youth into the terrors we all felt as children that explains the tremendous success of Disneypastas such as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Abandoned By Disney</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suicide Mouse</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, as well as Lost Episodes such as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dead Bart</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Squidward’s Suicide</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and even </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Candle Cove</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like these Pastas before it, Jason soon became a very popular creation among the community… sadly, a little TOO popular. With his pretty-boy good-looks, Jason soon acquired more than his fair share of obsessive fan girls. Much like the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fans who took their idol a little too seriously, they soon became aggressive towards anybody they felt misrepresented the character — including Jason’s own creator, Kristantyl. Fed up with the abuse from overzealous fans, and a little sickened by the slow metamorphosis of her creation from horror icon to teen pin-up, earlier this year Kristantyl removed all Jason related art from her profile and posted an announcement.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://krisantyl.deviantart.com/art/Announcement-603202232">Read it here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She wrote that, since the disrespectful ‘fans’ of the character had caused her significant harassment and distress, she was taking a break from creating Jason-related art, instead entrusting the character to her good friends and fellow DeviantArt users <a href="http://mayheem.deviantart.com/?rnrd=198971">Euphobea/Mayheem</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and <a href="http://discordea.deviantart.com/?rnrd=198972">Jesterca/Discordea</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for the foreseeable future.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, just because Kristantyl is no longer producing character art for her creation, that doesn’t mean that he’s fallen off the face of the earth. Creepypasta fans are still producing plenty of art (especially over at DeviantArt), including the now ubiquitous <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9PUKfHPNR0">Mr Creepypasta reading</a> (albeit a somewhat edited version), which he posted to his channel on 15 August 2015</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason the Toy Maker even has his own official Facebook page, and <a href="http://ask.fm/Jason_the_Toy_Maker_">an official Ask.fm page</a> where fans can get the diabolical Jason to answer their questions</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Furthermore more there are multiple unofficial sites, such as <a href="http://jason-thetoymaker.tumblr.com/">this blog over on Tumblr</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi673Ar4lJUsElORD3pwbQU7gYfKj1orE4gNoZ2WaBMPupy1FFuQWC5zuk454nLwRXWschtboz45EiF-CQdT_sNoqCDugOCZXBe21tnxEFyXNeU__cC6BP9dN_g4-Cvkkgf_G5kWVmdrNc/s1600/jttm3-210x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi673Ar4lJUsElORD3pwbQU7gYfKj1orE4gNoZ2WaBMPupy1FFuQWC5zuk454nLwRXWschtboz45EiF-CQdT_sNoqCDugOCZXBe21tnxEFyXNeU__cC6BP9dN_g4-Cvkkgf_G5kWVmdrNc/s400/jttm3-210x300.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, none of these works, official or otherwise, could have existed without that initial image and story from Kristantyl, and it’s a real shame that she is currently no longer working on the character. Yet be that as it may, Kristantyl was kind enough to speak to UK Horror Scene about her creation. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our interview follows below.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HICKEY'S HOUSE OF HORRORS: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The most obvious first — In your own words, tell us a little about Jason the Toy Maker?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KRISTANTYL:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jason Meyer is a toymaker who hides his true face behind the mask of the good guy. He deceives people with this, thereby earning the trust and affection of his chosen one.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What makes him different from others is that he doesn’t kill for fun.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over time Jason makes the existence (of his victims) more oppressive.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He wants total control over everything and leads the individual to isolate himself slowly from the rest of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If there are people who ruin his plans it’s not a problem, Jason kills them without the chosen one knowing it. He can get rid of the parents without feeling any remorse.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you behave badly and you're not a good friend, Jason will fix you and turn you into a beautiful wax doll.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The old wax dolls, after a long time, end up inside Mr.Glutton’s mouth.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He is driven by his selfishness and every bad feeling that lurks in all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason reflects what we are inside, what we feel when we suffer, or when we are angry.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He isn’t immortal, his weakness is a music box that he hides inside himself and, in contrast to what people think, Jason is a human being.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could create a ghost or another supernatural creature, but I think the only really scary monster on this earth is the human being.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything that builds can take life. Something gave him his extraordinary ability to be a toy maker, but a beautiful dream can turn into a nightmare at any moment.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What was your inspiration for the character?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I’m often inspired by my thoughts that later lead me to create a character. I spend my days drawing drafts, choosing the name and designing the personality.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes I create the characters for satisfying my desires or to make them intended to have a story, like Jason.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With him, however, it was completely different because I had not only to create the design but also a story.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was a child I loved my puppets but at the same time I was scared of them. I believed that they were alive and that stared at me with their eyes. I remember I was spying outside my room’s ajar door trying to see them while they were moving but, of course, I failed.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The toys changing their appearance depending on the identity of Jason, becoming horrible, creepy and seeing everything, are based on my childhood’s memory.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is my favourite feature for the toymaker.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which idea came to you first, the image or the story?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This question is difficult to answer because it's been a long time. I think the first thing that came to my mind was the image of this character.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason has made many transformations because, in the vast world of creepypasta characters, I was looking for a role that had not already been taken.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At first I imagined this ventriloquist in search of the perfect puppet, but not having enough inspiration for the story, I decided to choose the Toy maker.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you a fan of Creepypasta? If so, what is your favourite Creepypasta by a creator other than yourself?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I really read many Creepypasta and I met a lot of characters but no one has been able to impress me as much as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Puppeteer</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by BleedingHeartworks! The sound of broken bones and their abnormal movements always bothered me.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe that at least one Creepypasta character in your life can touch your weakness just as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Puppeteer</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> did to me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which writers, horror or otherwise, do you consider yourself a fan of?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I'm not really a fan, but I like reading Stephen King’s books. The last one I bought it’s titled </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Black House</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> but I'm already planning to buy </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IT</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, since we are talking about this topic, I really loved the book by Stefano Pastor, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Il Giocattolaio’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (The toy maker). He is an Italian writer who, in this book, was able to keep me glued to the pages filled with suspense and horror. Wonderful book.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What work of your own are you most proud of?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I'm never proud of my works. I can be satisfied, but I use this word very rarely for my works. I think it is never enough, I have to give my best and I’m never satisfied.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm the worst critic of myself.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8wv3obFM2jjcdjfF_rbKwV53Spk6HqK5f4DKnEd1X1943iHl73PHqoiIBk_0K5UpA6W-YkYLgArxTYbVPPVq2-YV6rSkPpW54cJsxr6l5pltjY3N2_h6JViE-Au356zDM9xdy7_vCcQ/s1600/jttm4-285x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8wv3obFM2jjcdjfF_rbKwV53Spk6HqK5f4DKnEd1X1943iHl73PHqoiIBk_0K5UpA6W-YkYLgArxTYbVPPVq2-YV6rSkPpW54cJsxr6l5pltjY3N2_h6JViE-Au356zDM9xdy7_vCcQ/s400/jttm4-285x300.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fans are very passionate about the character. Are there any examples of fan art, such as images, films or readings, in particular that have impressed you?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every time I am amazed that Jason fans create something and spend their precious time just to pay tribute. Cosplay, video tributes etc. I see it all. I don’t have a preference, each gift has the same value and ends in my folder dedicated to the gifts for him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Earlier this year you made an announcement in which you handed over ownership of the character to fellow DeviantArt users Euphobea and Jesterca, citing a part of the fanbase as the cause. Would you care to explain what happened?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I answer this question I would like to point out one important thing: I didn’t transfer the ownership of my character to Euphobea and Jesterca. I’ve just entrusted Jason to them, but I am still the owner.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meanwhile Jason started to become well-known and this caught reader attention in some naughty children. I witnessed many things: the insults, the meaningless comparisons and many other things but then my patience ran out.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think everyone agrees with me that it is quite EMBARRASSING and STUPID offending someone over a fictional character.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent too much time on this story and I didn’t realize that I was losing sight of my true goals. I'm sorry, but Jason is not my project and for this reason, I had to make a choice.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn’t keep up with the fans and the haters, I am no longer a 15-year-old girl with so much free time. Right now I have priorities.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to publish the story of my comic and I can’t do it if I continue to waste my time.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This decision was very difficult, but it was also the right one.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The haters weren’t important. What bothered me the most were the fanfictions written by people who had no respect for Jason or for me.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some stories made me angry, because they were ruining the toymaker by turning him into a heartthrob or into a gay who likes orgies. Roleplaying is worse!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have said it many times that Jason was born to be only a creepypasta character and that his role had already been established, but it was useless.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t want to tell people what to write, but I ask just for a little respect and less arrogance. These people have no idea that by doing these things the real Jason's intentions are misunderstood and that later I have to pay the consequences with the insults.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Someone admires Jason’s false beauty, just like a perfect prince, but all of this is wrong. Jason is horrible, he is a sadistic, selfish monster.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've seen everything.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the decision to entrust Jason, I have been insulted by some "fans" who have called me ‘bastard’ and I want to repeat once again how all of this is ridiculous for someone who doesn’t exist.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t live for Jason and I don’t live for others. I live for my own life and for my own dreams!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to say that Jason gave me a lot of satisfaction and he will continue to do it, but he's not my real project. He is only a hobby.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason is a proof that anyone can get to where I did and may even go further.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The haters instead can just grumble. :)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Your artwork is incredible. Where did you learn to create such evocative images? How do you get inspiration for the creative process?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I've always drawn because I like it. I never stopped and this has almost become my job.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I haven’t been able to attend an art school because my parents never supported my abilities, this is something I will never forget for the suffering it has caused me ... but it didn’t stop me.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The inspiration is subjective, I can’t give a precise answer. What I can tell you is based on my point of view, as I said earlier, and my inspiration comes from my thoughts or the feelings.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Will you ever return to the story of Jason in the future? And what else can your fans look forward to from you in the days ahead?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course I will! I'm writing Jason's origin story lately because there are many things to tell and probably I will do other things with him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, is there anywhere I should send my readers to see/read more about Jason?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fans can follow Jason at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jason-The-Toy-Maker-421157594698376/">his official Facebook page</a> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or on DeviantArt into the profile of my dear friend <a href="http://mayheem.deviantart.com/">Mayheem</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As sad as it is that the popularity of Jason has caused his creator anguish, much like both Mr Angrydog and PastaStalker64’s versions of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jane the Killer</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, there is a silver-lining to this creepypasta cloud. Pasta IS becoming more and more popular.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sure, some fans may resent the fact that the artform they love is becoming more mainstream and accessible to the masses (as is often the case with indie music or film-making), but what this means is that creators of Creepypasta are given more exposure, more support and, dare I say it, even a financial incentive to continue to create the best possible web horror stories they can.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nowhere is this more apparent than with the very special, very exciting exclusive interview I have lined up for you all next week...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-88421771471831997682017-04-03T13:39:00.002-07:002017-04-03T13:39:39.858-07:00RAW REVIEWS: GETTING SCHOOLED<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There has been a real resurgence in nostalgia-tinted, Eighties throwback horror movies as of late.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And when you're talking Eighties Horror, was there any sub-genre more indicative of the time than the slasher movie?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the latest movies to join the swelling ranks of retro-slashers is Chuck Norfolk’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Getting Schooled</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I was alerted to the film by </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Circus of the Dead</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> director ‘Bloody’ Bill Pon (did I mention that you can catch </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>CotD</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on iTunes now and that the DVD/Blu-ray is available for pre-order? Just checking…) and after doing a little research, was pretty hyped to see it.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After voicing my interest, the very cool guys over at Lucky Chucky Productions were kind enough to send a screener my way.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So is this a slasher that's too cool for school?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Or would I have to mark this one an ‘F’?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read on…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GETTING SCHOOLED</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (2017)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIIMpZddY1cerQ3rYagdt5JL2FC5iycKYHmREVN3Lb7mSNAvA9jYak6AkX_e-0V6hUCJZnMVkTYsOkCBDI9MLGXsMEPnzRUjvXpNu3n9AlHxz4v4s-sGGDUUi4loE4Lp0hGmzjmNB-JA/s1600/gs-new-jpg-jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIIMpZddY1cerQ3rYagdt5JL2FC5iycKYHmREVN3Lb7mSNAvA9jYak6AkX_e-0V6hUCJZnMVkTYsOkCBDI9MLGXsMEPnzRUjvXpNu3n9AlHxz4v4s-sGGDUUi4loE4Lp0hGmzjmNB-JA/s400/gs-new-jpg-jpg-large.jpeg" width="287" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dir: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chuck Norfolk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stars: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mayra Leal, Tom Long, Roland Ruiz, Jake Byrd, Susan Ly, Morgal Tyler, Ron Jeremy, Nick W. Nicholson</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll try not to spoil too much here, but continue at your own risk.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The year is 1983 and a ragtag group of High School students are put into Saturday morning detention, including spoiled princess Hillary (Tyler), knife-packing delinquent Rusty (Ruiz), smart nerd Shelly (Ly), strapping jock Mike (Byrd) and social misfit Julie (Leal). When new substitute teacher Mr Roker (Long) enters the classroom, the wheelchair-bound Vietnam vet makes it clear that he’ll take no shit from any of them.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the group uneasily settle in with each other an accident occurs, rendering the teacher unconscious. The students panic and try to revive the man, however, when Roker comes to he experiences violent flashbacks to his war days and proceeds to attack the teens with ruthless and ferocious abandon.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barely able to subdue him, they lock Roker in a supply closet and try to work out what to do next.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, little do they know that Roker is former Black Ops and now, in a state of paranoid delusion, he has mistaken them for Viet Cong adversaries and he is prepared to use every last trick he learned in combat to take each and every one of them down…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BDVho3P3aBVLTPfhGvQFjaUODM5XH0AFGaJBx1HaxkKboPebJRMGbWPP7PqCaQWYnqXjA9hlTMO9Xr8UqelPd6gGsAXqrB5KLfEBK70K4vPqKj704Nf61-3r3S2mC0BfZ2PQJiIkFuY/s1600/12719171_846966982097096_11002363047349008_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BDVho3P3aBVLTPfhGvQFjaUODM5XH0AFGaJBx1HaxkKboPebJRMGbWPP7PqCaQWYnqXjA9hlTMO9Xr8UqelPd6gGsAXqrB5KLfEBK70K4vPqKj704Nf61-3r3S2mC0BfZ2PQJiIkFuY/s400/12719171_846966982097096_11002363047349008_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> When creating a throwback horror movie, one of the most important aspects is nailing the feel of the era. This is something that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://gettingschooledmovie.com/">Getting Schooled</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> manages admirably. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not just in the fashions and soundtrack, the characterisation and dialogue is straight out of some long-lost John Hughes Bratpack movie. This is only fitting for a film that plays out like some kind of bastard offspring of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Breakfast Club</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday the 13th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> — with a little </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Full Metal Jacket</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> thrown in for good measure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This might sound like a bizarre mix, but it really runs with the premise, delivering a fun and at times frightening product.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The writing by director Norfolk, as well as Steven Scott Norfolk and Tim Norfolk is sharp, clever and, most importantly, feels like a real love-letter to the multitude of slasher flicks that packed the shelves of video stores back in the Eighties. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dialogue sounds authentic, while the characterisation manages to conjure recognisable genre stereotypes (jocks, badboys and brainiacs among their number), but still make them individuals that you actually care about by the time the blood starts flowing. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, it helps that the film has collected a fine cast of very good actors, including adult film star Ron Jeremy in a very humorous turn as the school's cynical janitor.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At its core the movie is anchored by a trinity of sterling performances. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, the very pretty Leal is a perfect fit for her character. She’s likeable and manages to give Julie a fine mix of toughness and vulnerability. She has a number of horror credits to her name already and I’m going to be sure to look up more of this talented actress’ genre work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Second, Ruiz is clearly having a ball as badboy Rusty, which makes his performance all the more enjoyable for us, the audience. He nails the bravado and swagger of iconic slasher tough guys like </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Nightmare on Elm Street</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s Rod. It's hard work balancing the dickishness of such a character without just making him utterly unlikeable. To his credit, Ruiz pulls it off.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The final part of this successful and important triumvirate is Long’s barking mad Roker. This is a very tough role as Long is faced with the unenviable task of making a character who is unable to walk seem a legitimate threat to a cast of young characters depicted as being in their physical prime. However, much like the immense Stephen Lang in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t Breathe</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Long delivers such a ferocious, no-nonsense performance that soon any and all doubts about the danger he might lose are soon dismissed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He plays the role pre-breakdown like a tough teacher who is clearly not one to take any shit. Post-breakdown he becomes utterly unhinged, a savage, violent monster without mercy or morals.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In short, Long is utterly brilliant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, the cast are only as good as the material with which they work, and the plot of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting Schooled</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, while very simple, delivers a solid, no-frills thriller, with a surprising amount of heart. The set-pieces are pretty nail-biting, while the gory kills are shockingly violent and often particularly gruesome, for those of you who like a horror to boast some splatter (and who doesn’t appreciate a little bloodshed in their slashers?). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is in each of these scenes that we are also treated to a demonstration of cinematographer John Hale’s skills, as he and Norfolk show some real flair in bringing the horrific to life in a visually striking manner. The colour palette accurately reflects the films of the era to which </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting Schooled</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> so clearly pays homage, but it also creates a captivating look for the movie in its own right, especially during the climactic moments. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet as good as the film looks, I keep returning to its heart. The closing moments of the movie are surprisingly poignant, and may even elicit the odd tear.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know, genuine emotion in a throwback slasher! Who’d’ve thunk it!?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WOFIMGW0Dl1rG7Am4yQgGvLoHK6cVmmNK1Vku2_D_rYlJdiCdpHjUpOnc03XbVyHj7rK3cmp2puzKydvDicpfBxYwa4Z_AzVm_dIWjow05JNyXr3fTygeeUvSr71UmF3IurdmLPsl1Y/s1600/12973331_855576791236115_250068725176435447_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WOFIMGW0Dl1rG7Am4yQgGvLoHK6cVmmNK1Vku2_D_rYlJdiCdpHjUpOnc03XbVyHj7rK3cmp2puzKydvDicpfBxYwa4Z_AzVm_dIWjow05JNyXr3fTygeeUvSr71UmF3IurdmLPsl1Y/s400/12973331_855576791236115_250068725176435447_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As great as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3180402/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Getting Schooled</a></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> looks, it is worth reiterating that this is a lower budget indie movie. If you’re used to slick, polished, Blumhouse-style wide-release horror movies, you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These budgetary constraints, on very rare occasions, affect the production values of the film, hampering some effects shots for example, but they also have a knock-on effect throughout the movie. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For example, some of the cast are relatively inexperienced, which means that some line delivery can be a little rough around the edges. Take into account that budget restrictions often also come with time constraints and you can see how how some scenes may not hit as hard as others. It’s clear that the cast are all very much invested in their parts, it’s just that sometimes one or two of them slightly misjudge moments. Luckily these moments are few and far between and only add to the throwback Eighties Slasher feel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, I do want to add that the team behind </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting Schooled</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> have clearly worked very hard to get this movie as slick as it can possibly be and they have done a pretty damn good job with the movie.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is that throwback feel that works as both a blessing and a curse to the movie. In short, if you never enjoyed Slasher movies during their heyday, I very much doubt </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting Schooled</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is going to convert you to the cause. However, if (like me) you are a child of the Eighties (and in particular, a fan of Eighties horror movies) I’m pretty sure you’ll love it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6-4cWdHz7_SXFICIyYPCtRrVCY-p3zRcEdi6JAgt_NXhztptMxqf9iFqPwZoGXEtBMS7-7SbylEmwsYgvKIewndPJe261KOXMiiiQR1iN5_RwSaVccwp4tmnvQsTAeQABQwmsS81Noo/s1600/12919670_852066304920497_2375814704846694402_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6-4cWdHz7_SXFICIyYPCtRrVCY-p3zRcEdi6JAgt_NXhztptMxqf9iFqPwZoGXEtBMS7-7SbylEmwsYgvKIewndPJe261KOXMiiiQR1iN5_RwSaVccwp4tmnvQsTAeQABQwmsS81Noo/s400/12919670_852066304920497_2375814704846694402_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: normal;">THE VERDICT:</b> What a pleasant surprise<i> Getting Schooled</i> turned out to be! It manages to be a familiar homage to the slasher classics of yesteryear, while still displaying some imagination of its own. But perhaps more importantly, it’s fun and frightening, with some tremendous performances and real emotional weight and pathos.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pardon the pun, but <i>Getting Schooled</i> is a real ‘class’ act!</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-92b57f54-357c-19c0-3c25-57027dcbac15" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to check the movie out, it’s currently <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAXROQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_0AoNybX10MKVP">on Amazon Prime here</a>; <a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/gettingschooled">Vimeo here</a>; <a href="http://www.vudu.com/movies/#!content/833154/Getting-Schooled">Vudu here</a> or on Googleplay or iTunes. So what are you waiting for?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can read more about </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Getting Schooled</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> over at its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GettingSchooledMovie/">official Facebook page here</a>. Give it a like while you're there too, these guys deserve it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/" style="color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors</span><br style="font-family: Arial;" /><br style="font-family: Arial;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></div>
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Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-23728936807457251852017-02-20T13:56:00.004-08:002017-05-07T04:55:39.537-07:00DARK WEB: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CREEPYPASTA — PART 31: JEFF THE KILLER 2015<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some Pasta icons are just too big to cover with one feature… or even two!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week, I’m returning to everybody’s favourite, hoodie-wearing, scarred, grinning Creepypasta psychopath — </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jeff the Killer</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sure, I’ve written about the character here in the past, both as an exploration of the myth and my recent exclusive interview with Jeff’s creator, Sesseur/KillerJeff. What more could I write about the character and his pretty threadbare story. In truth, not a lot… unless somebody else were to write more about the character first.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hmmmm…</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, it is these musings that lead me to a source of Creepypasta that will be very familiar to long-time readers of this series (and Pasta fans) — the creepypasta wikia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a place known for its extremely strict quality standards (some have argued overly so, but I do appreciate that the admins of the site are doing their best to ensure that no Crappypasta slips in), it should come as no surprise to learn that the most well-known and widespread version of the JtK story was not well liked at the site.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a story chock full of grammatical errors, clunky phrasing, awful plot holes and some pretty laughable cliches, even with its cult-like popularity and significance to the spread of Creepypasta, the decision was made to delete the story from the Wiki.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, shortly thereafter user BanningK1979 <a href="http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:497975">posted a proposal to the site’s forum</a> on 26 September 2015 — that Jeff be reincluded on the site BUT only after the story was rewritten, reworked and polished by the Creepypasta Wikia users to match the quality standards expected</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The idea was a hit, and soon a number of rival Jeff stories were submitted to the judges who were tasked with crowning one of these THE definitive </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> post for the site. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can find a full list of entries at <a href="http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Underscorre/Jeff_the_Killer_Rewrite_Contest">the contest’s page on the wiki here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, on 6 December of last year, the judges reached their decision.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In third place was the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://pastebin.com/6aCu9JFt">The Testimony of James Lamb</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://pastebin.com/6aCu9JFt"> by JZoidberg</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The Pasta focused on the story as told by a retired Police detective (the titular Lamb). In JZoidberg’s version of the story, Jeff (here with the surname Keaton) is insinuated in a series of break-ins that escalate to murder. Desperate for a lead, Lamb interviews Keaton’s younger brother, Liu, an inmate at a juvenile detention facility. Through a series of interviews, Lamb gets to know the man he is hunting from the one person who knows Jeff best.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second placed story was </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://pastebin.com/ExrnBui1">My Liu</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://pastebin.com/ExrnBui1"> by Sirius Nightshade</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It makes quite a few changes to the traditional tale, and although it features Jeff and Liu once again, this time Jeff is the youngest brother, while the two siblings live apart following their parents’ divorce. Liu is stuck with their abusive father, while Jeff is racked with guilt over his inability to intervene.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Jeff sees local bully Randy displaying similar tendencies towards a girl as his violent father, Jeff steps in. This leads to Randy taking a vile revenge against Jeff, starting a domino effect that will lead to madness and murder.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCeSFEtVFsqQm1vAJFHOEVtH5Ed8YW_8H4RDO4SQZhlF_PkkQyDjK_SGcAB0jwVtHWf6gjFs5vaejVVbZP9RRqiBTrgXI2113_x5Ek6MJ0TyHZTWfraH1UF_5AglMOYTuZmTEMTthb-E/s1600/jtk2015-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCeSFEtVFsqQm1vAJFHOEVtH5Ed8YW_8H4RDO4SQZhlF_PkkQyDjK_SGcAB0jwVtHWf6gjFs5vaejVVbZP9RRqiBTrgXI2113_x5Ek6MJ0TyHZTWfraH1UF_5AglMOYTuZmTEMTthb-E/s400/jtk2015-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The winner of the competition was </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer 2015</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by author K. Banning Kellum, the very same individual who suggested the rewrite contest. You can read the story in full <a href="http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Jeff_the_Killer_2015">here</a>. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do recommend that you check it out, but to summarise, it covers the story of Jeff and Liu Woods when they move to a new home and struggle to fit in, while their neglectful parents focus on how to be accepted by the local community. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shortly after moving into their new home, the two brothers cross paths with local bullies Randy, Keith and Troy. The other kids give them a hard time but Jeff decides to walk away… right up until one of the boys assaults Liu.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suddenly overcome with rage, Jeff administers a violent beating on their assailants before Liu is able to drag him away and the pair flee.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, when local police arrive at the boys’ home, Jeff comes to realise that Randy’s family is well connected and Jeff is warned that the local authorities will be keeping a close eye on him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To compound matters, Liu is subsequently sent away to spend the summer with their aunt. When it emerges that Randy’s father is actually Mr Woods’ boss, Jeff’s mother suggests that her son try to make amends with Randy. She drives Jeff to Randy’s home and at first, it seems as if the two boys may be able to bury the hatchet.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, it isn’t long before Randy’s true colours shine through, and the boy and his cronies try to threaten Jeff with a flare gun… with terrifying consequences.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This ‘remake’ addresses a lot of the problems in the original story, more firmly grounding Jeff’s origin in reality while still maintaining a number of the key elements from the popular ‘bully’ origin. It is a far more polished piece of prose (Banning is a talented writer who has a number of quality pastas up at the Creepypasta wiki), and the story manages to combine this realism with a far more tragic horror than that of the original story.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thematically, it is a perfect fit with the familiar tale that has enchanted Jeff fans for years, without the vast majority of the tales flaws.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In short, it does EXACTLY what it set out to do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was able to speak with K. Banning Kellum about his take on this most infamous of pastas, in which he was kind enough to talk me through his creative process.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can read this conversation below:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMss1ytHs46ggS0eqCcZ2vnLETokr-AhbwpKToTCyWFFydPLR7lSNBmJqLlM7Sn0ucDPzF8nYLS4LVF6v-bd7sQ33EQCJy0FOR0U7OLhjLEfMGVTIReFpomXU8eYnfiuOu_eWA8TUHO4/s1600/jtk2015-K.Banning-Kellum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMss1ytHs46ggS0eqCcZ2vnLETokr-AhbwpKToTCyWFFydPLR7lSNBmJqLlM7Sn0ucDPzF8nYLS4LVF6v-bd7sQ33EQCJy0FOR0U7OLhjLEfMGVTIReFpomXU8eYnfiuOu_eWA8TUHO4/s400/jtk2015-K.Banning-Kellum.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HICKEY'S HOUSE OF HORRORS:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Hi, thanks so much for agreeing to speak with me.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">K BANNING KELLUM:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Hi, Great to hear from you and I am glad that you took an interest in <i>Jeff the Killer 2015</i>. I certainly hope your week is off to a great start. So, let's get down to these questions:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OK, the most obvious first — in your own words, tell us a little about your version of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, the big goal of the re-write contest was to try and fix all the issues with the original story. There were a lot of logical errors in the first Jeff story that couldn't even be justified in the strictest of fictional sense. Issues like Jeff's super powers that seemed to come from nowhere, the fact that the police officers not only drew their guns on a kid but apparently were able to decide his punishment and length of jail time, and most of all, the bleach and liquor turning his face white. So, I set out to draw Jeff as a real person. A young man that was going through some tough times, such as moving to a new town and trying to fit in with the local kids. I also focused on his parent's lack of attention and their obsession with their professional lives over the emotional welfare of their children. I wasn't trying to make Jeff an anti-hero or a tragic-hero. The goal wasn't to to have the reader feel sorry for him at the end, but rather to paint a realistic map that could take a fairly well adjusted kid and turn him into a killer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To create this, I decided to trigger Jeff with a series of small events leading into the catalyst at the end in order to push him over the edge in a believable manner. The parent's neglectful attitudes provided that constant background agitation. The bully's instigating Jeff and Liu and essentially getting away with it because of their status in the town was another. Liu being sent away for the rest of the summer and of course the big one, Jeff being disfigured and overhearing that his mother's chief concern was how his appearance would affect their standing in the community. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I guess to summarize, my version of Jeff was a rather honest kid who was constantly placed in situations that he couldn't control, even when he was in the right. It was about him losing control first over his life and then over his own mind. Jeff didn't want to fight the bullies at the start of the story, but they forced him to. Jeff didn't want to try and befriend Randy but his mother forced him to. Jeff surely didn't want to become disfigured, but fate as it was forced him to. My version of Jeff is a nice guy that is simply robbed of the most basic mechanics of control over and over again, until he can no longer control himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What served as your inspiration for this story?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two things really. First of all, let's go back to 2012 or so. I was still in the US Army at the time, stationed at Fort Hood, TX. I'd just recently discovered Creepypastas while deployed in Iraq and then Kuwait. So, after returning to the States after the year-long deployment, I wanted to make as much time with my family as possible. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, my son, Tristan, is from my first marriage. My first wife still lives in New Orleans, and since I was stationed out in Texas, I couldn't exactly go and pick up my son every single weekend. Due to the demands of the military, and the distance from Fort Hood to New Orleans, I generally could only go and get Tristan on long weekends or when my unit took some form of leave. This of course meant that my time with Tristan was that much more precious, since it could be up to a month before I'd be able to drive down and get him again. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, during one of the block leave times, I want to say this was in the fall of 2012 or maybe early 2013, Tristan starts telling me all about the Creepypastas that he and his school friends have read. It was the normal ultra popular ones, like Jeff and Slenderman. At that time I had just gotten into Creepypastas, and honestly wasn't too familiar with Jeff the Killer. So, Tristan convinces me to play the Mr. Creepypasta reading, and we sat there together and listened to it while Tristan continued to explain this and that. It was a special little bonding moment that sort of left me with a little bit of a soft spot for Jeff the Killer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anyway, a couple years later, I'm out of the Army, my wife and I are back living in New Orleans, and thankfully we can now pick up Tristan every weekend. During that time, I was still making a name for myself on Creepypasta Wikia. I'd written </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Secret Bar</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Demon in the Mirror Trick</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I believe, but that was it. Anyway, around this time, the big debate was about whether or not Jeff the Killer deserved to remain on Creepypasta Wikia. The site admins at the time had established some respectable quality standards, and the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> story on our site at the time didn't meet any of the criteria. However, it was considered a classic and was essentially grandfathered into the community. However, it started to become more difficult to justify allowing it to remain. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Admins were deleting stories that were clearly better than Jeff, yet Jeff was allowed to remain due to his popularity. In the end, it came down to a vote. I actually supported removing the original Jeff, as I agreed that it didn't meet the quality minimums to remain on the site. However, as I was helping in the story's deletion votes, I also began to wonder if I could do better. I became really curious as to how I could improve on the Jeff formula, without actually making an entirely new story. I was interested in doing a re-telling, not so much a re-make. And like I said above, I still had a soft spot for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">because my son and I spent some quality time listening to Mr. Creepypasta take us through the original Jeff story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast forward another year and it became apparent that a lot of people out there wanted Jeff back. They argued that it was a classic, and honestly, I agree. Like it or not, the original </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">was to Creepypasta as Hulk Hogan is to professional wrestling. That's when I got the idea for a contest. Give the people, myself included, a chance to retell the story and fix the original issues. The vote passed in a majority landslide of support to retell the story. Since I was participating, and was also an admin, I passed all the technical ends of the the contest over to the other admins. Voting was done off site and moderated by another member of staff, and in the end, my story was selected. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, as far as specific inspirations, I used a lot of settings that I enjoyed when I was Jeff's age. Obviously setting it in and around New Orleans. Mandeville, the town where Jeff's family moved, is a real place, although I never lived there. The Friendly Video store was also a real chain down here that only recently went out of business in 2015. Jeff's incident with the three bullies messing with his bike was based off of some of the neighborhood antics that bullies did to us when I was a kid. There used to be these three brothers that lived down the street, and if they saw you ride your bike past, they'd all mount on their own and chase you. They caught me once the oldest brother kept twisting the seat on my bike until it finally broke. So, I sort of had an understanding of how Jeff and Liu felt when they walked out of the video store and say Randy and his pals messing with their bikes.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Seeing your activity over at the Creepypasta Wikia it's pretty obvious that you're a fan of Creepypasta. What is your favourite Creepypasta by a creator other than yourself?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, it's hard to actually cite a specific favorite, because I love quite a few of them. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Disappearance of Ashley Kansas</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was one of the first that I read and was blown away. Another short one called </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Piggyback</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was chilling. As far as specific writers on the site go, Blacknumber1 is a great long pasta writer. Humboldt Lycanthrope is a master of the NSFW stories. Empyrealinvective has a massive library of impressive stories. GreyOwl is one of my favorites, as she consistently brings high quality stories to the Wiki. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Tale of Robert Elm </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is a masterpiece in my opinion. There are simply so many great stories and great writers that it's difficult to ever just say one name.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Why do you think Creepypasta resonates so well with the fandom?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think the main reason for Creepypasta's popularity with the internet in general is because it is for the fans, by the fans. All you need to do to write a great pasta is to have an idea and some basic writing skills, and before you know it you can possibly be creating the next Jeff or Slenderman. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You don't need money, an editor or a book deal in order to pursue a love of writing. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And since Creepypastas are open-source for the most part, it appeals to all reaches of artists. Writers, sketch artists, poets and musicians alike can find something within the realm of Creepypasta to sink their teeth into. Plus, at least as far as Creepypasta Wikia is concerned, we are a very supportive community. If someone needs a critique or writing advice, there are always tons of people more than happy to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do you think the appeal of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is to fans?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That is a tough question in a lot of ways. Keep in mind I was one of the people that supported deleting the original. I would say with the original Jeff story, the popularity was all about timing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff came around when Creepypastas were a fairly new thing. It was also marketed well, since it started as a Youtube video and then evolved to a story. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The famous white faced Jeff picture that is associated with the original work no doubt played a huge role in the story's success as well. There was an undeniable unnerving quality to that picture. The aesthetics were so off that it was difficult to really look at. Couple that with the overall mood that horror stories can create, and you have a recipe for success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Artists also did a lot to push Jeff forward. There are tons of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drawings all over the internet. With indie games dedicated to him and lots of other Youtube videos and cos-players keeping the legacy of Jeff going, it's clear why he's so well received by his fans.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_FDwZHXjyxc58WOElDkptbrkgWXktXH04YWmOmOKPYqEqJjV0twdqGaf4w4FPjPYyTI9TFa_0B7YqGNSXFqXbcf1WelPrNKcUl6BJgVPjHKmIAiPMJdr8OYQeyVRMkWr1iN-8gagObo/s1600/jtk2015-2-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_FDwZHXjyxc58WOElDkptbrkgWXktXH04YWmOmOKPYqEqJjV0twdqGaf4w4FPjPYyTI9TFa_0B7YqGNSXFqXbcf1WelPrNKcUl6BJgVPjHKmIAiPMJdr8OYQeyVRMkWr1iN-8gagObo/s400/jtk2015-2-300x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Which writers, horror or otherwise, do you consider yourself a fan of?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, I am a huge Stephen King fanatic. I have been reading his work since I was a kid, and continue to buy all of his new books to this day. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Dark Tower </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">was such a powerful story, it had me locked in for years, and I still dip into it from time to time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">H.P. Lovecraft has also inspired me on many occasions, as has Clive Barker. But in the end, Stephen King remains my all time favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> What work of your own are you most proud of?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hyraaq Tobit </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">series is my all time favorite product of my own making. I've been grinding away at that series for around 2 years now and I am thrilled to announce that I am nearing completion of the last story in the series. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The fans are very passionate about Jeff. Are there any examples of fan art, such as images, films or readings, in particular that have impressed you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Passion impresses me. So, anything that someone has taken the time to sit down and develop out of a love for the source material gets my respect. There are some outstanding images of Jeff as well as other Creepypasta icons all over Deviantart and the internet as a whole. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anytime I see that someone has taken to time to sit down and create something drawn and fueled by their passion, that will impress me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer 2015</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was voted to be THE official </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">entry by the users of Creepypasta Wiki. How did it feel to get that recognition from your peers? What does the support of the Creepypasta community mean to you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The recognition from peers was incredible, and I've said it once and will continue to say that their support is everything. When I sat down and wrote </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer 2015</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, I knew that I was throwing my name into a hat that would be filled with many other talented writers. Initially the story I wrote was a massive 20,000 work novella, and I loved it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, I later learned that the contest rules stated no entries over 10,000 words. So, I had to really cut my story up in order to make the cut off. Honestly the edited down version didn't feel as complete as my first draft, so I gave myself 50/50 odds that I'd win. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was informed that I won the contest, I was just filled with tons of gratitude and admiration towards this incredible community. Their support is paramount to my success, and I am beyond grateful each and every day that people out there are getting behind my work and helping me advance as a writer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Will you ever return to the story of Jeff in the future? And what else can your fans look forward to from you in the days ahead?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As for future Jeff stories, I doubt that will happen. I set out to create a better </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and I feel that I accomplished that. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a true Creepypasta icon, and for that reason he belongs to the entire community. I am confident that with the huge bank of talented writers out there, Jeff will have many more adventures to look forward to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As far as the days ahead, as I mentioned above, my final entry into the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hyraaq Tobit </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">series should be showing up this week. I'm almost there and cannot wait to finally complete that story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, are there any links to which you'd like me to send my readers to see more of your work?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KBK: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most certainly. If anyone wants to get into the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hyraaq Tobit series, please start with the first story: </span><a href="http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/The_Demon_Tobit_of_Delphia" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Demon Tobit of Delphia (http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/The_Demon_Tobit_of_Delphia)</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">J</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ust keep clicking the "next" button at the bottom of each story to read them all in order.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you'd like to hear some amazing Creepypasta readings, including quite a few of mine, please check out Creeparoni's Youtube Channel. She is an incredible talent and is actually in the process of reading all of my </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tobit </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">stories in order, which is a massive undertaking. Check her out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3i6JixKgwP6emDIX4tKB</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can also follow me on Twitter: @banningk1979</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And if you'd like to check out all of my horror stories, here is the link to my Creepypasta Wikia user page, which contains like to all my stories, links to some awesome Youtube readings of my work, and lots of other fun stuff: </span><a href="http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/User:Banningk1979" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/User:Banningk1979</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UKHS:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thanks for the interview.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The reason I’ve included </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff the Killer 2015</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in this series, aside from the fact that it’s an excellent story in its own right, is that it really showcases two major trends in the Creepypasta community as a whole.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, it highlights the increased quality and standards expected as the genre evolves and expands. The slapdash, poorly told stories of yesterday are very much a thing of the past and simply won’t be tolerated by the more discerning audience of today. With writers such as K. Banning Kellum and the admins of the creepypasta wikia keeping a watchful eye over the latest efforts, the future of Creepypasta is in good hands.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Second, this story is an excellent example of the way in which the creepypasta community adopt and reshape different characters and stories. K. Banning Kellum is far from the first author to write about Jeff the Killer and, I can state with confidence, that he won’t be the last either. But he has crafted the tale, added his own unique take and, most importantly, contributed to mythos as a whole. It’s precisely this ‘open-source’ nature, as K. Banning Kellum describes it, that makes the community the lively, imaginative and innovative collective that it is.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Come back next time when I’ll look at another fresh continuation and reimagining of one of Creepypasta’s most disturbing tales.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; white-space: normal;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/" style="color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; white-space: normal;">here</a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; white-space: normal;">. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; white-space: normal;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></span></div>
Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-66851458736933539472017-01-21T14:14:00.003-08:002017-01-21T14:16:42.908-08:00DARK WEB: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CREEPYPASTA — PART 30: PSYCHOSIS<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THIS FEATURE FIRST APPEARED AT UK HORROR SCENE <a href="http://www.ukhorrorscene.com/dark-web-steven-hickeys-essential-guide-to-creepypasta-part-30-psychosis/">HERE</a>. ALL SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS WILL APPEAR THERE FIRST.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whenever I interview Creepypasta authors for this series of features, one question that I ask of all of them is ‘what is YOUR favourite pasta?’</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The answers are fairly wide-ranging (as matters of taste often are), but there are some familiar titles that crop up time and time again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the most popular of these is the excellent </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First published a few years ago on the now-defunct, original Creepypasta.com forum by user M59Gar, it was then featured on the front page of the site in 2008-2009. Sadly the site is no longer active, but the next oldest version of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was that posted to the new creepypasta.com on 3 November 2010. <a href="http://www.creepypasta.com/psychosis/">Read it here</a>. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjzwUcK1JgtgJaum5h-3WGQt_ia2X3ShDzeHy4afeLPYRtMr0WOAxSrkXm-60e41qH9KCyaHl7SSShq-r7ukrFVv4eTAPLnJhe8PH5Upv7-7R6l2JUy5eWASAdWmmDdmjtdQUUroqrOU/s1600/psychosis1-224x300-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjzwUcK1JgtgJaum5h-3WGQt_ia2X3ShDzeHy4afeLPYRtMr0WOAxSrkXm-60e41qH9KCyaHl7SSShq-r7ukrFVv4eTAPLnJhe8PH5Upv7-7R6l2JUy5eWASAdWmmDdmjtdQUUroqrOU/s400/psychosis1-224x300-1.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">M59Gar’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is one of the longer Creepypastas, but it is well worth the time it takes to read it. I thoroughly recommend you do so immediately!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The story is actually rather simple, detailing a young programmer who slowly but surely succumbs to his own paranoia as he starts to believe that an insidious evil may have infiltrated his life. To discuss it in any more detail runs the risk of spoiling what isat is quite rightly regarded as one of the greatest creepypastas of all time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Currently the fifth highest rated pasta over at creepypasta.com (with a score of 9.2 from a staggering 18,101 votes), and also the third most discussed, it has garnered a huge following.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The reasons for this are all too apparent — it’s exceptionally well-written, cultivating a subtle sense of dread that unnerves far more than the tacky gore of less accomplished pastas. M59Gar tells his story in a fantastically compelling manner, using the more measured, patient pace of the tale to his favour. This means the protagonist never suddenly leaps to any wild conclusions, instead edging ever closer to the abyss of a psychological breakdown.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The story also deals with some weighty and decidedly modern themes, especially of the roles of technology, information and perception in establishing what is truly ‘real’. In an era in which whole lives are lived online, this is a truly contemporary horror story, and one that is utterly thought provoking. I’ve said in the past that horror is as fantastic a mirror of modern society as any other genre. The monsters of each generation speak volumes about the world in which they lived.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the gigantic, science-made monsters of the Fifties, spawned by a world in which the nuclear bomb had ended World War II, to the faceless slashers of the Seventies and Eighties, themselves a reflection of the monsters among us, serial killers such as Dahmer, Manson and Bundy, horror cinema and literature has always encapsulated the fears of society. That technology, that tool that supposedly unifies the world, is ultimately leaving each of us more isolated than ever before comes as a timely warning from M59Gar.. Or should I say, Matt Dymerski.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For since the publication of Psychosis, M59Gar has started to write under his real name of Matt Dymerski, becoming a successful author in his own right. He has even published </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, along with some of his other short stories, which you can pick up <a href="http://amzn.to/2dZ0DG6">at Amazon here</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It’s a great book and I can’t recommend it highly enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, even though he is now a published author, Dymerski hasn’t abandoned the internet and still posts regular stories to the internet, via his very own web site, </span><a href="http://mattdymerski.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://mattdymerski.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and at the r/nosleep subreddit, arguably the greatest source of online horror fiction on the web.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXxu9ZaxRyODmPg6ecRZbHkNdrcgXPLcD30SCjsh05_fzXnM2CNtmJDo88BSzUUANjUhI8JNOwOiUzqgYtNCJ8lCFa_zvkZpYYIbnHZdjtKfHqPrMcATW9_hbOGL_LmExM4h6UkwNJcQ/s1600/psychosis3-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXxu9ZaxRyODmPg6ecRZbHkNdrcgXPLcD30SCjsh05_fzXnM2CNtmJDo88BSzUUANjUhI8JNOwOiUzqgYtNCJ8lCFa_zvkZpYYIbnHZdjtKfHqPrMcATW9_hbOGL_LmExM4h6UkwNJcQ/s400/psychosis3-199x300.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was over at NoSleep that Dymerski published </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/13ty8f/eating_disorder/?st=iu5raxdx&sh=1c38d97d">Eating Disorder</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on 26 November 2012</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. A chilling story of a woman with a mental illness that affects the way she perceives her food as told by her doctor, this was the first in a series of six stories that would later come to be known as the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was followed on 27 November 2012 by </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/13w6xo/the_bonewalker/?st=iu5re84o&sh=dbe1b970">The Bonewalker</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, then on the following day by </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/13ydz7/the_scholarship/">The Scholarship</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, then each day thereafter by</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/140rgb/the_friend_zone/">The Friend Zone</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/142ivo/the_escape/">The Escape</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/144eqc/the_truth/">The Truth</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first couple of stories seem like simple, standalone horror stories (albeit very, very good ones). However, as the series progresses, the doctor comes to realise that there may be a larger plot at work… perhaps even that same plot that devastated the life of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’ protagonist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More than just a thematic successor to Dymerski’s best-known pasta, with the added length afforded by writing his story as a series, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> really feels like an expansion of the tale.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Featuring all the social commentary, insight and (of course) excellent, descriptive and imaginative story-telling of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, it’s every bit as rewarding a read. The whole story has since been collected in a free-to-read eBook available via Amazon’s Kindle store: </span><a href="http://amzn.to/294FQjc" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://amzn.to/294FQjc</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. That’s right, FREE! Go get it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even as both </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series hint at a single antagonist, The Opponent, the story is not yet finished.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On 3 August this year, Dymerski published the first chapter of a new series, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/4w11bc/our_blind_spot/">Our Blind Spot</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/4w11bc/our_blind_spot/">, to r/NoSleep</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It has since been followed by three more chapters (</span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/4w7fp9/our_blind_spot_part_two/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/4w7fp9/our_blind_spot_part_two/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/4y8gu5/our_blind_spot_part_three/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/4y8gu5/our_blind_spot_part_three/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/5ieai2/our_blind_spot_part_four/">https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/5ieai2/our_blind_spot_part_four/</a>) and has yet to conclude. It features themes and even characters from Dymerski’s previous techno-paranoiac stories and is every bit as good as his other hit tales.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With a burgeoning career and having garnered critical AND commercial acclaim, many could forgive Dymerski for leaving the internet Creepypasta community behind, yet he hasn’t. He’s still contributing, still writing for his fans for free, which is an admirable display of commitment to the Creepypasta scene.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was fortunate enough to be able to interview the very busy, but still very personable Dymerski recently about his work.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The interview follows below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HICKEY'S HOUSE OF HORRORS: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks so much for agreeing to speak with me. For our first question, how would you describe </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MATT DYMERSKI: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a story about an intelligent young man who asks questions and follows available data to logical conclusions. It just so happens that fundamental flaws in our way of life have undermined many basic truths, rendering his conclusions terrifying…</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM8rE_7PMLDDKR3YtwJUwLl9gjrzkA5q_Ucv6ldJTXVQLXi8lnV-6nagbhhn4IMV80YsoQm8r6hK4ZI9Yud_cXWxhyphenhyphenai9vpC1BCsvMGAX_89UGuD7q6dtf1TvdzyvCEsf3gU_xHaFnBE/s1600/MattDymerski-231x300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM8rE_7PMLDDKR3YtwJUwLl9gjrzkA5q_Ucv6ldJTXVQLXi8lnV-6nagbhhn4IMV80YsoQm8r6hK4ZI9Yud_cXWxhyphenhyphenai9vpC1BCsvMGAX_89UGuD7q6dtf1TvdzyvCEsf3gU_xHaFnBE/s400/MattDymerski-231x300.jpeg" width="308" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And, in your own words, tell us a little about the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series is a successor series to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; we follow the investigations of a doctor at an asylum who notices disturbing trends in his patients' stories. The deeper he delves, the more horrifying questions he uncovers about the apparently malleable natures of reality and perception. Is it possible that an insane person is actually more aware of the Truth than we are?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What served as your inspiration for the stories?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">were both inspired by the many-layered existence we've built for ourselves as a society. At the root of any discussion is a fact, but between that fact and our belief about it there are numerous layers of distortion, accidental misinformation, and even agenda-driven lies. We have a wealth of information available to us, more than any humans before us, but that just makes us further divorced from the base facts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we determine what is real when our entire lives are based on assumed beliefs? What if we've never seen a real fact at all? What if we begin diverging away from the beliefs of those around us? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> both revolve around people who question our constructed reality — and in both cases they find that this construction may not have been innocent. These stories are my odes to the paranoia and confusion I felt when I first grew into adulthood and realized the world of television and the world around me were very, very different.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which writers, horror or otherwise, do you consider yourself a fan of?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As many probably are, I am hugely influenced by H.P. Lovecraft. He blazed a trail and created an entire genre. I can only hope to approach any level of similar storytelling.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Would you say you're a fan of Creepypasta? If so, what is your favourite Creepypasta by a creator other than yourself?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Hah, yes, I adore Creepypasta, mainly because I was actually on the original Creepypasta forums while it became a much bigger thing than anyone ever expected. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> itself spread out with the herd when the Creepypasta community split into numerous websites and forums. My favorite Creepypasta of all time is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE DAY OF ALL THE BLOOD</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; its humor is just absolutely so very perfect and far more intricate than most realize (for example, I love that the protagonist continues about his day while blood is apparently erupting everywhere, mirroring many creepypastas where terrible things happen and the protagonist just continues his daily life or even falls asleep so that the story may continue). In terms of horror-focused creepypastas, though, it would have to be </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Russian Sleep Experiment</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It reminded me very strongly of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beyond The Wall of Sleep</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and I love the places those kinds of stories take the reader.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why do you think Creepypasta resonates so well with the fandom?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I believe Creepypasta resonates well with the fandom because the community actually designed it that way. Without realizing it, the format we rapidly evolved on the original site was created to be short, sweet, and viral. In many ways, Creepypastas are the Vines or Tweets of horror. They grab you with a character or situation and hit you with a cool ending in a span of time suited for the internet era; it's like fast forwarding a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twilight Zone</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to get to the twist at the end. Even though the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twilight Zone</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is awesome, we've all skipped to the end once or twice, because the much faster pace of our lives today and the way we consume content has made us all far savvier. We don't need slow builds to establish a believable concept anymore. We want to believe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do you think the appeal of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is to fans?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> takes an interesting niche among the range of Creepypastas. I haven't kept up on the whole continuum of stories, but for a long time </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was definitely the longest Creepypasta out there. I believe the idea at the core of it is too complex to explain in a shorter tale, while the setup is very similar to many of the reader's demographic (college aged male) and common experiences we're increasingly having with media / the internet. So Creepypasta readers got into it, signed up for the ride so to speak, and rode the inevitable tailspin into seeming madness like a rollercoaster. In that way — being a Creepypasta, but being so unlike most of them at the same time — I believe </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> slotted itself into a permanent role in the roster. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And what do you think is the appeal of the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The feedback I got from the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series as I wrote it definitely helped direct it. Here the protagonist questions not only our social reality, but also the realities of individuals, including himself. When we undermine faith in the system as we are told it is, we undermine our own position and everything we know about ourselves. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are we really who we think we are? Or are we just fulfilling the role others expect of us? It was questions like these that many commenters and messagers spoke of, and I was happy to dive into that with each new chapter. Body image issues, caffeine addiction, pressures to perform in school and work, relationship pressures, and more were all tackled through a lens of Reality vs Expectations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What work of your own are you most proud of?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Certain chapters of the multiverse series I am currently writing rank among my favorites. I relive these intense chapters in my memories as if I watched them in a movie theater, and I'm just so glad I was able to get there and make those moments real in writing. I especially identify with the non-heroes in my stories; the men and women who aren't important, aren't heroic, and are just trying to understand their place in an uncaring universe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I read the full Asylum series by downloading the eBook from Amazon (</span><a href="http://amzn.to/294FQjc" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://amzn.to/294FQjc</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). What inspired you to collect the chapters and release them in this way? What challenges did it present?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've been working for quite some time on self-publishing and publishing other authors as a profession. I've been doing that and writing for about seven years now, and my own books (such as the Asylum) result from my learning process. At the time, Amazon's system was pretty bad, and I actually had to edit HTML directly to make the formatting work. They've come a long way since then, but I'll always remember coding my book like a program just to make it readable. It's surreal, absurd, and a little hilarious.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fans are very passionate about these stories. Are there any examples of fan art for either story that really impresses you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I actually did have a couple links saved, but my computer died recently and I lost them. Mostly what I immediately thought of were the numerous videos and narrations that fans have done for </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I always recommend</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YugLGMYX030">Chilling Tales for Dark Nights' rendition of </a></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YugLGMYX030"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, narrated by Jeff Clement</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It's awesome. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjS1tsiTp4MisTxrXjrN1k9ksD6poFMMT8sCh-_hhnpAzaGosIzX_S3kRRhPEBTUSKuBoM5HLCioTu4Dy76vn9ToYTXJTcaQILBqhAcQ46frC79CC8TT3wiKCuWhJOmOYUUMEiuAwECI/s1600/psychosis2-300x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjS1tsiTp4MisTxrXjrN1k9ksD6poFMMT8sCh-_hhnpAzaGosIzX_S3kRRhPEBTUSKuBoM5HLCioTu4Dy76vn9ToYTXJTcaQILBqhAcQ46frC79CC8TT3wiKCuWhJOmOYUUMEiuAwECI/s400/psychosis2-300x150.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You're a prolific writer, regularly releasing stories to your sub-reddit (r/M59Gar) and over at r/nosleep. How do you keep the creative juices flowing? Is writing a process that you enjoy or is it more about getting your stories out there to an audience?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm glad you mentioned that, because I really hope to get this point out to prospective authors: if you write what you love writing, it's easy and fulfilling. I have taken my work in numerous crazy directions because I was seeking a flow I completely enjoyed; feedback and engagement from readers helps, but the stories come to me because I'm actually interested in the characters, the adventure, and the format doesn't hold me back. Nothing has ever been so difficult as trying to write for someone else's format when I don't really know what I'm doing — that's when you'll get the 'writer's block' feeling of frustration and blankness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So if you're having trouble creating a story, I recommend you try to figure out what it is you really want to be writing. The answer might surprise you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Will you ever return to the story of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the future? And what else can your fans look forward to from you in the days ahead?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Absolutely. We are always closer to the stories of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psychosis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asylum</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> than we know, and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Blind Spot</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a current series touching upon that world. I will be spiraling toward the truth of that reality over several future series.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Finally, are there any links to which you'd like me to send my readers to see more of your work?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MD: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just the standard links are fine:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My blog (http://mattdymerski.com)</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MattDymerskiAuthor/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MattDymerskiAuthor/)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://reddit.com/r/m59gar" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/m59gar)</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Matt-Dymerski/e/B00A82LSW4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1473293594&sr=8-1" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt Dymerski on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Matt-Dymerski/e/B00A82LSW4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1473293594&sr=8-1)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thank you again!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s so refreshing to see such talented individuals still committed to their fans and the reddit community that made their name. In the hands of writers like Dymerski, authors prepared to challenge the perception of Creepypasta and continue to raise the bar with weightier, compelling themes, the genre is sure to grow and grow.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Come back next time for another fascinating example of web horror, one that revisits one of the most infamous and chilling stories I’ve covered here before.</span></div>
Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-81848560094532484592017-01-20T06:25:00.001-08:002017-01-20T06:25:00.698-08:00RAW REVIEW: SLASHER HOUSE II<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the most impressive feats I’ve come across in indie film-making in recent years is the creation of a shared slasher universe by British production company <a href="http://mycho.weebly.com/">Mycho Entertainment</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Created by director and producer MJ Dixon, the company's first feature film, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slasher House</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was released back in 2012 and introduced viewers to the Red Angel, a slasher hunter, and a host of psychotic villains who would each go on to get their own spin-off movies.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First came 2014’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Legacy of Thorn</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, featuring and expanding on the mythology of the hulking masked killer who first appeared in Dixon’s short film, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thorn</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> back in 2009.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then came </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cleaver: Rise of the Killer Clown</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, a spot-on homage to classic slasher </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Halloween</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and a fantastic chiller in its own right. Released simultaneously with </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cleaver </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">was the micro-budget psychological thriller, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hollower</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, starring everybody's second-favourite cenobite, Nicholas Vince. This was a film so good, so genuinely unnerving that it landed a well-deserved place on <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/the-houses-top-10-horror-films-2016.html">my Top 10 Horror Movies of 2016</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This weekend’s Horror-on-Sea festival sees the big screen premiere of Dixon’s return to the tale that launched it all — </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slasher House II</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, another adventure with the tough as nails Red and Mycho’s biggest and most ambitious film to date.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Can it continue the run of hits?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read on…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SLASHER HOUSE II</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (2017)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWSySd8DpJwo1Hwa1h8GEvo8f-s9mAQAOu8BlY538LdQy3mmPXjO71bO43kMsnpTnyaFSbrEv2DQ_xpGcQNax65VQfVux65iOz0RrjMWKDv11FrXTajsOk6T0zETc2hjP-wxKR1Ra8Yg/s1600/15823030_1386701108029957_5059251281081412598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWSySd8DpJwo1Hwa1h8GEvo8f-s9mAQAOu8BlY538LdQy3mmPXjO71bO43kMsnpTnyaFSbrEv2DQ_xpGcQNax65VQfVux65iOz0RrjMWKDv11FrXTajsOk6T0zETc2hjP-wxKR1Ra8Yg/s400/15823030_1386701108029957_5059251281081412598_n.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dir: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MJ Dixon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stars: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Francesca Louise White, Luna Wolf, Sophie Portman, Jamie B. Chambers, Sam Cullingworth, David Hon Ma Chu, Wellington Grosvenor, Tiana Rogers, Bam Goodall, Jason Impey</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SPEEDY SYNOPSIS:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Red (White, taking over the role from the original </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slasher House</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s Eleanor James) is still hunting her father, The Demon (Chambers), the nightmarish serial killer who slaughtered her family. Aided by tech-savvy assistant Luse (Portman), she investigates a number of murders, hoping each one will lead her to her nemesis.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is on one of these cases, during which she faces the panda-masked Stripper Ripper, Jacob Jakushi (David Hon Ma Chu), that she saves the life of stripper Amber (Wolf), an individual who goes on to become a valuable ally in Red’s mission for revenge. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After crossing paths with a team of heavily armed operatives obsessed with capturing slashers for their own nefarious purposes, Red once again finds herself in a series of pitched battles against a host of monstrous adversaries — ranging from the hulking, cybernetically enhanced MoleMan (Cullingworth) to the decaying, skeletal Gravestone (Goodall) — each leading her one step closer to the truth about the mysterious </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slasher House</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The one thing that has truly struck me with each of Dixon’s Mychoverse movies to date is his strong visual style. Think slashers by way of Argento, with a crisp, striking colour palette, all blood reds and other-worldly greens. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://mycho.weebly.com/slasher-house-ii.html">Slasher House II</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> takes his unique, anime style to the next level, with the bright wigs of both the female lead characters, Red and Amber, making them look more like manga heroines than live-action characters. The villains also have a host of striking looks, with The Stripper Ripper’s oversized panda mask bearing more than a passing resemblance to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Afro Samurai</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s nemesis Kuma, and MoleMan looking like he walked straight out of the pages of a D.C. comic book.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With even more money spent on this movie than his previous, already very impressive-looking films, the fruits of Dixon’s labours are clear to see. As well as enhanced production values in the look of the film, it’s also reflected in some ambitious effects sequences from Bam Goodall (the Gravestone puppet is very cool indeed, while the scenes with Molly Bannister’s, ahem, friends are another triumph) and some great fight choreography.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This marks a new kind of Mychoverse movie, combining the visceral horror of Dixon’s previous efforts with a more action-packed, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blade</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-esque feel. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are some really quite excellent action sequences in which the very capable White shows some impressive martial arts moves — but that’s not all she brings to the table. She is a good actress and delivers some great one-liners with a snarky, world-weary ease that makes her Red a very different character to James’s helpless amnesiac from the previous film, a characterisation decision that eliminates comparisons between the two actresses. She’s great, and I for one would be glad to see her continue in the role for Red’s subsequent adventures.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wolf also impresses, starting in a role which acts as audience surrogate, before bringing some nice humanity and humour to some of the movie’s later, heavier scenes. Obviously she’s very easy on the eye, but she’s also got an inherent likeability that marks her out as one to watch. She’s a real find and I hope she continues to work with Dixon and company. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Equally talented is the wonderful Ms Portman. Sadly she doesn’t have as much screentime as the other two leading ladies, but she does make the most of what she has.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Opposite our heroic femmes fatales, Chambers does excellent work as the lead antagonist, bringing a chilling line delivery to his physically daunting performance.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Equally imposing is the hulking Cullingworth who doesn’t just look the part, he backs it up with a surprisingly witty performance and quickly establishes a fun rapport with White.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, the cast are helped by the fact that they have such a strong script with which to work. Dixon writes fine dialogue and tells a suitably satisfying story that successfully builds, expands and even encourages viewers to revisit </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Slasher House</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It comes with some excellently worked twists and turns, while the non-linear structure adds some intriguing depth to the storytelling process. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love the fact that this is a movie that completely builds on the whole Mychoverse mythology, faithfully including some nice shoutouts to its predecessor while blowing the whole story wide open to make a bigger, more complex world in which he can spin further stories. Bravo sir!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking of these stories, viewers of the previous movie will be well aware that several of the villains of the original </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slasher House</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> received their own spin-off films. So, even though we’ve had no official confirmation yet, it’s probably safe to assume that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of some of these new movie maniacs.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So does this second wave of villains hold up? Do they warrant their own flicks? The answer is a resounding ‘YES’. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each deserves their own movie, but I’d be especially keen to see Molly’s backstory, while a serial-killer James Bond movie with a globetrotting Jacob Jukushi would be awesome.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, the movie I’d most love to watch is an expanded version of the scenes we were shown with the teens who accidentally awaken Gravestone. Those scenes were so marvellously executed, poking gentle, loving fun at old-fashioned slasher flicks that Dixon would only need to build on those to create a must-watch slasher/comedy. Fingers crossed!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is Dixon’s incorporation of (and clear love towards) the subject matter that is arguably the film’s greatest strength. Dixon is one of us, a fan of horror, sci-fi and action, and all the cool genre-blenders that combine these. He makes the sort of movies that he wants to watch, films by a fan, for the fans.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With well-executed homages combined with exciting new developments, the Mychoverse is a love-letter to the genre… and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Slasher House I</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> might just be the best example yet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsavHdWBnIH4tAr7luVuxKvqVTjmGm7ZsJVlVmA3ApfkKzOqGXDHQDLWNnybcuQKdi8pjML0P5KT6Z3eauZ0doxMZ0j9nYiqy20KRYJrTKvc0FW3xn6O7iP7e9sCayperOhMeVQVxDrWQ/s1600/14368789_1267178763315526_1562502904226346982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsavHdWBnIH4tAr7luVuxKvqVTjmGm7ZsJVlVmA3ApfkKzOqGXDHQDLWNnybcuQKdi8pjML0P5KT6Z3eauZ0doxMZ0j9nYiqy20KRYJrTKvc0FW3xn6O7iP7e9sCayperOhMeVQVxDrWQ/s400/14368789_1267178763315526_1562502904226346982_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The biggest problem that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4699434/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Slasher House II</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is going to pose to the casual fan is that it very much relies on the viewer being familiar with the original movie, the characters and the existing mythos surrounding the shadowy 'Slasher House'. If you haven’t seen it (or to a lesser extent the other Mychoverse movies), you’ll probably struggle to make sense of a lot of the film’s events.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, this is only to be expected with a sequel, but it's worth reiterating here.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My recommendation? Watch the original flick, then the spin-off sequels, then </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slasher House II</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I suppose the next biggest problem is that, while this film marks a noticeable leap in production values, at times the film’s ambition does overreach its means a little. It is a very impressive effort, but if you're more used to shiny, larger budget wide-release horror such as Blumhouse’s output, this may seem a little rough around the edges. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, for those long-term fans who are looking to get every last mystery explained and everything resolved with a neat little bow on top, be warned that this is just the next chapter in a far bigger and wider storyline. Those expecting resolution to any queries re: the Mychoverse will need to wait a little longer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nevertheless, with the steady improvement that Dixon is showing with each passing film, I'm sure the eventual conclusion will be more than worth the wait.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, an argument could be made that this is the least 'scary' of the Mychoverse films. It does have its moments (those of you who get the heebie-jeebies from creepy dolls may want to look away), but maybe it isn't as frightening as some of Dixon's other films. Regardless, I'm going to go on record and say that it's certainly the most fun!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>THE VERDICT: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MJ Dixon is a talented director who has shown real skill and vision thus far in his career... and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Slasher House II</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> might just be his best film yet.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's fun, witty, high-tempo and furthers the deep and rich mythos of the Slasher House universe. Think </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Blade II</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by way of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Halloween</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with a little Anime thrown in for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I would recommend this movie just on Mycho's sheer ambition alone, but this is a genuinely good film in its own right and one I strongly implore you to check out as soon as possible.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luckily, a handful of you will be given the chance to do just that when the film gets its World Premiere at this weekend's Horror-On-Sea Festival in Southend this </span><span style="line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday, 22 January 2017. You can buy tickets <a href="http://www.horror-on-sea.com/Ticket_Info/ticket_info.html">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the meantime, check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/slasherhouse/">the film's official Facebook page here</a>. Give it a Like while you're there too, I'm sure the good folks over at Mycho would appreciate it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors" style="text-decoration: none;">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></div>
<br />Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-30267351654283991862017-01-10T14:16:00.000-08:002017-01-11T05:08:37.853-08:00RAW REVIEW: NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the finest eras for genuinely fun horror movies was the Eighties. It was an era that gave us </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2iCA4IV">The Evil Dead II</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2iCyd70">Fright Night</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2iggYdL">House</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2iaD9Ud">Return of The Living Dead</a> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Night of the Creeps</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This last film has had a far wider influence than many casual fans might have realised. It was clearly a massive inspiration for James Gunn’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="http://amzn.to/2iganjC">Slither</a></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and it certainly shares some key traits with the new festival smash hit, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Night of Something Strange</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A shlocky, gross-out body horror flick, NoSS has been earning rave reviews at its multiple fest screenings.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But is this a movie I’d want to spend the night with?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Or is it one that would leave me feeling estranged?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2016)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrP1c2T4NOWuJB7jQjniJ1KlY07aRlnmydcbRLGL58HUGJU950QNm_-vhLiLvhFeQ2MofUJqq61YP2PTU74BIiLeTQRn5RMRSWITBWS1TcoTf9YcLH7U7KDmyo0RoZeQ2Ae5nokA0OQw/s1600/12819375_994557477247045_1782208119961988031_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrP1c2T4NOWuJB7jQjniJ1KlY07aRlnmydcbRLGL58HUGJU950QNm_-vhLiLvhFeQ2MofUJqq61YP2PTU74BIiLeTQRn5RMRSWITBWS1TcoTf9YcLH7U7KDmyo0RoZeQ2Ae5nokA0OQw/s400/12819375_994557477247045_1782208119961988031_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dir: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jonathan Straiton</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stars: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rebecca C. Kasek, Trey Harrison, Michael Merchant, Toni Anne Gambale, John Walsh, Tarrence Taylor, Nicola Fiore, Wayne W. Johnson, Janet Mayson, Kirk La Salle, Al Lawler, Kera O’Bryon, Wes Reid, Billy Garberina, David Meadows</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll try not to spoil too much here but read on at your own risk.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After an extremely messy opening sequence in which we discover the origin of an STD that transforms its victims into violent, ravenous rapist-zombies(!), we are introduced to a gang of youngsters about to embark on a Spring Break road trip.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have good girl Christine (Kasek), her best friend Carrie (Gambale), Carrie’s obnoxious and sleazy boyfriend Freddy (Merchant), nerdy Jason (Walsh) and wannabe toughguy/pothead Brooklyn (Taylor), all making their way to a party destination, who choose to stop over in seedy roadside motel.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also at the motel are bad chick Pam (Fiore) and her tough boyfriend, soldier Dirk (Harrison) who are hooking up for a night of passion.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, unbeknownst to our horny high-schoolers, the infected necrophiliac who has kickstarted this whole mess is also on his way to the motel…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let’s make no bones about it — </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.nightofsomethingstrange.com/">Night of Something Strange</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a shocking movie that will cause no end of gasps, squeals and nervous giggles from an audience. It is full-on, in your face, legitimately disgusting at times… and THAT is why it is so good.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think the aforementioned </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2idtmrS">Night of the Creeps</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> crossed with </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">South Park</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>NoSS</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is chock-full of gross-out moments, from sexual misadventures to a veritable explosion of body-fluids. As such, it’s absolutely hilarious.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It certainly helps that these moments are brought to life with tremendous special effects from the very talented Colby Flinchum. The visual effects and make-up are far more impressive than </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NoSS</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s modest budget might lead to you expect.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But then, over-performing is pretty much the norm for this movie.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Take the cast — I think it’s safe to say that most of the leads in the movie probably won’t be immediately recognisable to many viewers, but that doesn’t stop them from knocking their performances out of the park.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harrison does a tremendous job of delivering some killer tough-guy lines with a perfectly straight face (which can have been no easy task, considering how badass some of his one-liners are!), while the impressive Kasek plays things equally straight and shows some real potential as a future Scream Queen.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The very attractive young Gambale shows real dedication to her craft with a couple of her scenes, as does the simply fantastic Merchant. It is Merchant’s crass, loudmouth Freddy who very nearly steals the film. Of course it helps that the character is the movie’s Stifler — a total dick so vile that it’s kind of ok to laugh at all the disgusting scrapes he finds himself in. Merchant is brave, utterly shameless and throws himself into his role with gusto. He’s awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So too are very amusing and extremely likeable Walsh and Taylor, both of whom provide plenty of fun moments and more than hold their own with their co-stars.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Making up our rapist zombie fodder is the very sexy Fiore (who also worked as a make-up artist on the movie). She plays the bad-girl you love to hate, and you can tell she’s having plenty of fun playing the witchy Pam. She’s a joy to watch, and I’m going to be sure to check out the other titles on her résumé.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, the actors are only as good as the material they’re given to work with, and the writing team of director Straiton, Ron Bonk and Mean Gene deliver. They’ve written plenty of great dialogue, some brilliant set-pieces and a story that genuinely manages to shock and surprise. The plot has some pretty out-there twists that you’ll never see coming, and even manages to nicely blend genres. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, it is this shocking nature that is the film’s biggest strength. The violent monsters are suitably terrifying villains, especially the extremely menacing Johnson as the lead undead sex-fiend, Cornelius. Under the extremely, erm, gooey prosthetics, he gives a committed deranged performance and fellow lead monsters, Mayson and LaSalle have their moments too, veering from terrifying to laugh-out-loud funny (especially that ‘cigarette drag’ during a tense chase sequence).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the zombies mutate even further later in the flick, their genitalia transforming into lethal weapons, they become reminiscent of the ‘sickos’ in Robert Rodriguez’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grindhouse</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> segment, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Planet Terror</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or Sam Raimi’s depraved and twisted Deadites. So, even with the laughs and outlandish action, the film manages to pack in some well-crafted scares and some seriously intense sequences that suggest that should Straiton try his hand at a more traditional out-and-out horror movie, he could well deliver the goods once again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After all, it’s safe to say that his assured direction and keen eye for a good shot are massive contributing factors to the success of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NoSS</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Bravo sir!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With plenty of blood, guts and even less savoury body fluids, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Night of Something Strange</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a riot of bad-taste, guaranteed to get hardcore genre fans, gorehounds and anybody who likes their humour way out on the edge grinning like maniacs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Inside the first six minutes of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315380/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Night of Something Strange</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> we are treated to a prolonged sequence of necrophilia, a man urinating in a woman’s face before he violently rapes her, a bloody wound complete with arterial spray and somebody ripping out an unspecified, but gore-soaked, part of a woman’s genitalia with his bare hands, then eating it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then the film REALLY gets going.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If that all sounds a bit much for you, then you should probably steer clear of this one.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I dug the film’s in-your-face, no-holds-barred, full-frontal assault on decency, but I imagine more squeamish viewers may find this flick doesn’t so much cross the line as strip naked and urinate over it. You have been warned!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the same token, the rather gonzo developments in the script may lose some viewers (there’s a very odd, but gloriously depraved sub-plot late on that may leave some scratching their heads). This is a movie that was created without the ‘safe’ guidance of a major studio, as such it is imaginative, creative, but undoubtedly far more bizarre than your average fan of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Conjuring</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Insidious</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> will be used to. Tonally it is pretty erratic, veering wildly from extreme violence to toilet humour, sometimes in the space of mere seconds. I think this is all part of the movie’s unpredictable charm, but I can imagine that fans looking for a movie more easy to pigeonhole may not share my opinion.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, another side effect of the fact that the movie was made outside of a major studio is that it has a reduced budget. For the most part, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NoSS</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> defies its humble means, with director Straiton and his cinematographer, Rex Femscared, polishing the visuals impressively.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, it’s fair to say that if you’re more used to the ultra-slick output of Blumhouse Productions, you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE VERDICT: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An unapologetic fist (or perhaps another body appendage) in the face, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Night of Something Strange</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> takes your typical Eighties splatter horror flick, sticks it in a blender with some late Nineties gross-out humour, and produces a heady, hilarious, horrific cocktail that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m genuinely disappointed to have seen this via a screener kindly provided by the jolly decent Straiton, because I really wish I could have seen this on the big screen with a laughing, shrieking, gasping group of genre fans. This is the ultimate horror party movie and it needs to be seen the right way!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luckily, UK fans will be given precisely that opportunity when it screens at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on 21 January at 5.30pm. Head on over to <a href="http://www.horror-on-sea.com/Ticket_Info/ticket_info.html">the Festival’s official web-site</a> and snap up some tickets!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the meantime, head over to </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nightofsomethingstrange/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Night of Something Strange</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s Facebook page here</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why not give them a Like while you’re there too. I’m sure they’d appreciate it!</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors" style="text-decoration: none;">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors</span><br style="line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-80571096684298060982017-01-08T12:02:00.002-08:002017-01-08T12:02:54.260-08:00DARK WEB: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CREEPYPASTA — PART 28: THE RAKE REVISITED – AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN SOMERVILLE<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLEASE NOTE, THIS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED OVER AT UK HORROR SCENE <a href="http://www.ukhorrorscene.com/dark-web-steven-hickeys-essential-guide-to-creepypasta-part-28-the-rake-re-visited/">HERE</a>. ALL SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS WILL BE PRINTED THERE FIRST</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are some truly unspeakable monsters in the Creepypasta universe. As terrifying as the human faces of evil such as Jeff the Killer are, it is the otherworldly creatures that have always best captured my attention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the monstrous wheezing thing in Michael Whitehouse’s </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bedtime</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to the ubiquitous Slender Man, it seems to me that some of Creepypasta’s greatest creations are its supernatural entities.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week I’m going to return to one of the most notorious of these beasties — The Rake.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For those of you unfamiliar with The Rake (those who didn't read <a href="http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/dark-web-essential-guide-to-creepypasta_29.html">my previous feature on the story HERE</a>), it is a fascinating example of creation by committee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back toward the tail-end of 2005, an anonymous user posted a message to 4chan’s /b/ board that simply read</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> hey /b/ lets make a new monster.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From here lots of users put forward their own ideas about the most vile creatures they could imagine and, over time, some ideas started to stick. This led another user to start a new thread based on what was the most popular idea, with a post that read:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Alright, this is for the people who like the three-eyes, no apparent mouth, pale skin one. Here’s what we’ve got so far: Humanoid, about six feet tall when standing, but usually crouches and walks on all fours. It has very pale skin. The face is blank. As in, no nose, no mouth. However, it has three solid green eyes, one in the middle of its forehead, and the other two on either side of its head, towards the back. Usually seen in front yards in suburban areas. Usually just watches the observer, but will stand up and attack if approached. When it attacks, a mouth opens up, as if a hinged skull that opens at the chin. Reveals many tiny, but dull teeth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This eventually became Operation Crawler, although that name was later discarded in favour of The Rake.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The creature has its genesis from dozens, if not hundreds of contributors, but arguably one of the most important of those was a backstory written on the personal Something Awful blog by Bryan Somerville. Taking the form of a number of historical accounts of encounters with the pale-skinned monster, it gave us an insight into a being’s terrible, mysterious motives.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can read it the Creepypasta Wiki <a href="http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/The_Rake">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a VERY strong story, and unlike the multiple (and often conflicting) origins that I’ve covered here for the likes of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jeff the Killer</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jane the Killer</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, this one seems to have been widely accepted as canon for the mysterious being. It’s probably the fact that the story is so well-written that has caused the fan community to embrace it, but from Somerville’s tale The Rake has become one of THE iconic creepypasta characters, appearing in hundreds of examples of fanart and even spin-off tales.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rake is even included in the first issue of the recently successfully crowd-funded Creepypasta comic book, as written by prolific Pasta author Vincent Vena Cava and arguably the most highly regarded Creepypasta YouTube reader, Mr Creepypasta.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5zgrqp9IQhEI4QzJiQRLxjhIB9d9zXJ7wWuDrkI12l7K_ET_FkDrS3Qg1v3eeK6d9sfXwOQWscD0bR8gunpP4YO-19h4D6_amYWhPP2ko9oKbp4rR3n4-x7iKVs9R9AvNYBV7pFk9sw/s1600/vvc3.png-194x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5zgrqp9IQhEI4QzJiQRLxjhIB9d9zXJ7wWuDrkI12l7K_ET_FkDrS3Qg1v3eeK6d9sfXwOQWscD0bR8gunpP4YO-19h4D6_amYWhPP2ko9oKbp4rR3n4-x7iKVs9R9AvNYBV7pFk9sw/s400/vvc3.png-194x300.jpg" width="258" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But never forget that it was Somerville who truly breathed malevolent life into the diabolical frame first created by the users of 4Chan. For that, the Creepypasta community owes the very humble Somerville a debt of gratitude.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m delighted to say that Bryan agreed to speak with Hickey's House of Horrors about his role in the creation of one of the web’s most popular monsters.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The interview follows below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HICKEY'S HOUSE OF HORRORS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for answering my questions. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, in your own words, tell us a little about the Rake?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BRYAN SOMERVILLE: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rake is a human. He was born into a small exiled group forced from the community into the wilderness. As the small group rapidly collapsed, the remaining few were forced to eat the dead. During this period, he matured rapidly and eventually moved on as the only survivor. He is not immortal. I'd like to keep the mystery there, but there is a backstory that fills in the "why" and "how" of the character. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What served as your inspiration for the story?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A simple question - what would a wild animal that was as smart as a human be like? One who was chased away by scared people with torches and guns for hundreds of years, with no hint of humanity remaining. This is the kind of thing I think of while lying in bed, so naturally it evolved into a bit of a recurring nightmare.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you a fan of Creepypasta? If so, what is your favourite Creepypasta by a creator other than yourself?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Huge fan. One of the stories I'll always remember was actually a photo essay about urban exploration. The author slipped small hints and silhouettes into the pictures and put together a story about a camera found in the woods while exploring an empty building.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another is the classic </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ted the Caver </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">story. So disturbing without ever explaining a single thing. I love the mystery up to and including the lack of an ending.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't know who actually created these — and I'm sure I could find that out in a half second — but I don't want to. I like that they just exist.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Why do you think Creepypasta resonates so well with the fandom?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good Creepypasta is something you read and move on from, maybe even forget. Then one night when you're alone, all the little bits in the back of your mind form some ridiculous, uncanny image and you can't get it out. I suspect it's the resonance that draws people in, and the little gaps you fill in with your own mind that connect it to things in your life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do you think the appeal of the Rake is to fans?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I honestly don't know — I rarely show it to people directly, I prefer they just find it as-is somewhere so it comes with an air of legitimacy. But I do know that people remember the imagery of "something" sitting on the end of their bed, and coming toward them to whisper into their ear. It's probably the lack of detail that allows people to make it their own. People scare themselves better than anyone else.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which writers, horror or otherwise, do you consider yourself a fan of?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite author is Paul Auster, which I got into through the "New York Trilogy". He has a sometimes weird way of describing the world, such that you don't know if the narrator is joking, making fun of you, or just unreliable. It adds this feeling of being slightly lost, or slightly behind the story, which is the perfect atmosphere for a very strange crime drama.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What work of your own are you most proud of?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> No answer. Most of my writing is short form horror or comedy, most of it absorbed by long-dead wordpress blogs or sites like MySpace. It's really a stroke of luck </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rak</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">e survived, mainly because I posted it on one extra web site back in 2007, but then felt bad for self promoting, and never tried again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fans are very passionate about the character. Are there any examples of fan art, such as images, films or readings, in particular that have impressed you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There's a sketchy drawing that I have always liked. It's not exactly what I imagined in my head, but it's pretty close. I like that one a lot.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nk0GyOX6CNZw7PORB1fcS2ZCQoOVrKsOCus0CbcYgJy-okjSM6CtvxQLgHyY3mbXq7utcwRuU_TmQeyYYJKPTO03tp7pb1zlk4uJoL70h9yhypqe81_jHoxqqmrsk4TQB3b0QShtrtQ/s1600/Rake01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nk0GyOX6CNZw7PORB1fcS2ZCQoOVrKsOCus0CbcYgJy-okjSM6CtvxQLgHyY3mbXq7utcwRuU_TmQeyYYJKPTO03tp7pb1zlk4uJoL70h9yhypqe81_jHoxqqmrsk4TQB3b0QShtrtQ/s400/Rake01.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are also the fake camera pictures from what looks like one of those deer cameras people put up in the woods. I have always been a fan of the found footage style.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bnDEKZTbBggYQxSKI8hh3qsZU9Q0NSP-q64t9obwp8VqqNg0I2i5hRJLdg7esP-fJrPejppiv-yebpnMEB9sWNH4nfl7EMXdidLqCHVucUAPho_618Fyk150Ovb7Ch26S9QANuohz-o/s1600/rake02-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bnDEKZTbBggYQxSKI8hh3qsZU9Q0NSP-q64t9obwp8VqqNg0I2i5hRJLdg7esP-fJrPejppiv-yebpnMEB9sWNH4nfl7EMXdidLqCHVucUAPho_618Fyk150Ovb7Ch26S9QANuohz-o/s400/rake02-300x225.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As far as readings, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chilling Tales for Dark Nights</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has done a few readings, and they have been really good. The guy who runs that channel reached out to me for permission, which is extremely rare, so I might be a bit biased. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Hickey's Note: This one, by the always fantastic Otis Jiry is one of my favourites:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wDIzJqQQi4I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wDIzJqQQi4I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the same token, are there any unauthorised attempts to cash in on the popularity of the character that have upset you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Yes, that has happened a lot. I didn't even realize the story was "out there" until I came across it myself. My dad actually commented on a YouTube video and tagged me in it, saying basically "isn't this yours?". I always find them after the fact, and have never asked anyone to take anything down. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wouldn't say I've ever been upset about it. I would always prefer people approach me for permission of course, but in fairness, it's not usually easy for people to figure out where exactly the story came from. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Rake appeared in the recent </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Creepypasta</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> comic book by Vincent Vena Cava and Mr Creepypasta. Have you discussed the project much with them? Have you had much creative input? How was it working/speaking with them?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Vincent and I have spoken several times. I have provided some basic input, although I am anxious to see what he comes up with. We still have some open communications so I won't go too much further here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And finally will you ever return to the story of the Rake in the future? And what else can your fans look forward to from you in the days ahead?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rake has a very long and detailed backstory that I'd like to explore. There is always the problem with revealing too much and ruining what makes it creepy, so I'm taking my time on it. I usually try to have an explanation that avoids supernatural explanations, which makes it creepier to me because it could exist in reality. However I don't want to ruin what your mind added to the story, you know?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, are there any links to which you'd like me to send my readers to see more of your work?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Actually, I'm not super happy with this story, but I just found it "anonymously" submitted on a creepypasta site — </span><a href="http://ghostsstory.com/Blog/26/the-woman-behind-the-door" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://ghostsstory.com/Blog/26/the-woman-behind-the-door</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't even remember where I posted this one, probably MySpace or something many years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are a few more out there, but they're never credited to me (almost always "anonymous") so I just occasionally run across them. I have something I'm kind of excited about but it's not quite ready yet. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks again for agreeing to speak with us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rake is one of the most recognisable Creepypasta creations for one major reason — it taps into some of our worst fears and it’s incredibly well told. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Come back next time when I will write about another fantastic tale that revisits not one but two pastas that feature the very worst kind of human monster.</span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors</span><br style="line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></span></span>Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-57161874766360026892017-01-04T06:42:00.001-08:002017-01-04T10:45:58.403-08:00RAW REVIEW: PITCHFORK<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">What better way to kick off 2017 than with a good old-fashioned slasher flick that has been gathering plenty of buzz in recent weeks?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d heard plenty of good things about Uncork’d Entertainment’s upcoming movie and I was delighted when the good folks over there were kind enough to offer me a screener link.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But would this be a movie that’s pitch-ure perfect?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Or is it one I’d want to fork-get?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read on…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PITCHFORK </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2017)</span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dir: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Glenn Douglas Packard</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stars: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian Raetz, Lindsey Nicole Dresbach, Ryan T. Moore, Celina Beach, Nicole Dambro, Keith Webb, Sheila Marie Leason, Vibhu Raghave, Derek Reynolds, Carol Ludwick, Addisyn Wallace, Rachel Carter, Andrew Dawe-Collins, Daniel Wilkinson</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hunter (Raetz) is a young gay man who has recently come out. He is now travelling across the country to his parents’ remote farmhouse home, hoping to rebuild his relationship with his father, Wayne (Reynolds), who is struggling to cope with the revelation. For moral support (and with the promise of a wild barn dance throw in), Hunter travels with a large group of close friends: cute good girl, Clare (Dresbach), her douche jock boyfriend Matt (Moore), sweet geek Gordon (Raghave), edgy party girls Lenox (Beach) and Flo (Dambro) and loved-up couple Rocky (Webb) and Janelle (Leason).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The group receive a decidedly aloof welcome from Wayne, but a far warmer one from Hunter’s caring mother Ruth (Ludwick) and animal-mad younger sister Jenny (Wallace). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The night of the party comes and soon personal revelations threaten to destroy friendships forever… but just as the group is reeling, a deranged, fur-mask wearing, fork-handed psychopath (Wilkinson) attacks with unpredictable and terrifying ferocity.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the bodycount steadily mounts the group face a deadly fight for survival. Who will last until morning?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> There are few things as exciting when watching indie horror movies as that feeling that you’ve discovered a serious talent who is almost certainly going to go on to make a big splash in the scene. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="http://www.pitchforkfilm.com/">Pitchfork</a></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is absolutely packed with such individuals.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Director/co-writer Packard is certainly among these. From the atmospheric and exquisitely shot opening sequence, during which a camera swoops through isolated corn fields to the haunting strains of a breathy voice singing </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>‘He’s Got Whole World In His Hands’</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, I sat up and paid attention. The film is a real treat for the eyes, with cinematographer Rey Guttierez ensuring that the movie looks far better than its humble indie roots might lead you to expect.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sure, it’s shot on digital, as most indies are nowadays, but it looks polished, bright, clear and clean, something that all too many low-budget efforts certainly can’t say.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s a nice reason for Hunter and his pals to be heading to the countryside (one which adds a little more character work to proceedings) and shows some wit by Packard and fellow writer/producer Daryll F. Gariglio.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking of Hunter, leading man Raetz is another of those talents on display here from whom I expect to see a great deal in the future. He's a handsome guy, likeable and a decent actor. Here's hoping he sticks with our beloved genre for a little longer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The same can also be said of the lovely Dresbach. There are plenty of pretty young actresses out there, but few are as endearing and show the ability that she does. She has scream queen written all over her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also loved the work of Beach as the bitch you love to hate, Lenox. She exudes a raw sexiness and even though you know you should be hoping to see her head on a platter, you can't help rooting for her. I'm pretty sure a large part of this comes from Beach's considerable charisma. I really can't wait to see more of her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On a similar note, Moore's asshole jock Matt is another compelling character, and the good-looking actor does a superb job in bringing him to life. He's horrible, but in a very good way, and it's a testament to Moore's talent that he provokes such strong feelings. Elsewhere all the rest of our youngsters range from good to great and none of them really let the side down, even if a couple aren't given quite enough to do.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the real surprises of the film was the excellent turn from young Wallace. It's surprising to see such competent, confident and assured work from an actress of her tender years, but she really is quite fantastic. If there's a sequel to this movie (and I think it shows more than enough potential to warrant future instalments) I think it's a pretty safe bet that she'll be playing a part. Here's hoping!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, a slasher movie can be brought to its knees if one key player underperforms — the actor portraying the antagonist. Thankfully, this is not one of those movies. Wilkinson really is quite excellent as the menacing Pitchfork. Sure, he remains largely mute (if you discount indecipherable yelps, growls and shrieks), much like your classic slasher villains, and the role is largely brought to life through physical gestures and movement. However, Pitchfork is something different. Rather than slow, methodical and chillingly calm, Pitchfork is fast, skittish, a feral animal let loose to hunt his helpless prey. Yes, the inexorable approach of a patient, striding slasher is pretty frightening, but it makes a pleasant change to see one prepared to run and bound after his victims.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wilkinson adds a number of frightening ticks and twitches to his character, and his depraved antics make him seem legitimately out of his mind. With just a couple more movies, Pitchfork could well become the sort of iconic slasher we've not seen since Victor Crowley roared onto screens back in 2006. Bravo Mr Wilkinson!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He's certainly aided by the fact that the character's design is so striking. The effects work on the titular pronged attachment that replaces his left hand is pretty damn great, while Wilkinson's lean, rangy physique helps him stand out from the slasher crowd.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, a decent cast are only as good as the plot they have to work with, and luckily, this is a pretty good tale. The story has some nice twists and turns, there's some decent motivation given to the characters and the story affords us some good set-pieces.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, I know a lot of slasher fans want one thing from their movies — blood and gore. There's not too much graphic gore on display, although we do get some very nice bloody moments, but there are also a couple of sustained torture sequences that are seriously intense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All in all, it's a good movie with some very cool moments and a few well-executed scares. What more could you be looking for?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):</b> I only have a few qualms with <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4985848/?ref_=ttexrv_exrv_tt">Pitchfork</a></i>, very few of which acted as a serious hindrance to my enjoyment of the film.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">First, I did have a slight issue with the pacing. After an obligatory very early kill scene, I felt the movie became a little derailed by a very lengthy sequence in which we received some character development and a fun but perhaps not entirely necessary barn dance. It's not that these scenes are bad per se, but there are no intertwined moments that continue to cultivate the superb atmosphere of dread fostered early on. Luckily, when the masked maniac does reappear, Packard is quick to reinstate that same creepy atmosphere so any damage is soon reversed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While I mention that early kill scene, it, along with a couple of others, is one that does feel a little, well, lascivious in the way it depicts the female form. I know there's a long history of titillation in slasher flicks (an argument can even be made that the genre was built on it) but we've come a long way since then and I can't help feeling that a couple of the shots of scantily-clad young ladies were perhaps a little gratuitous.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking of the numerous attractive bodies on display, it pains me to say that a couple of members of the cast didn't quite hit the lofty levels of their co-stars. Nobody was TOO bad, but there were a few who didn't quite deliver the goods as well as the real shining stars in the picture. Thankfully it's nothing that really pulls you out of the movie, so there's no serious harm done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, while I was a big fan of the Pitchfork design, I do think some viewers may find the 'furry' mask a little goofy. I like what it represents, but perhaps the execution could have been a tiny bit better? Still, this is very much a minor grumble.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;">THE VERDICT:</b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> <i>Pitchfork </i>isn't a perfect slasher movie (then again, what is?) but it's a very good one indeed. It may have its flaws, but there is more than enough good stuff here to warrant checking the movie out when it is released on Friday 13th January — and on that date, how can you NOT want to give a promising new slasher a chance?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It boasts a great cast, a cool villain and it looks great. Expect the team behind this movie to go on to be a part of great things — and should <i>Pitchfork 2</i> be one of them, count me in!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Pitchfork</i> will be released at cinemas and on demand from next friday. Until then, why not check out the trailer here:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">or head on over to the movie's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PitchforkOfficial">official Facebook page here</a>?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Give it some love while you're there too, I'm sure they'd appreciate it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/" style="text-decoration: none;">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></div>
Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-3889815483602829372017-01-03T06:49:00.000-08:002017-01-03T06:49:06.034-08:00The House's Top 10 Horror Films 2016<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy New Year everybody!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we greet 2017 now seems as great a time to look back at the very finest horror movies that 2016 had to offer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just a quick word to start, this has been a very tough list to compile, mainly due to the consistency of the output in the genre this year. I’ve seen very few poor horror movies over the past 12 months, but by the same token, I’m not sure there’s been a real, stand-out obvious modern classic along the lines of <i>The Babadook</i>, <i>It Follows</i> or <i>Crimson Peak</i>. At different points throughout the year each of my top five occupied the top spot (and there is some debate as to whether at least four of them are even horror movies!).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With that in mind, allow me to present my 10 personal favourite horror films of 2016.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>HONOURABLE MENTIONS: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Under The Shadow</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>The Eyes of My Mother</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>31</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Hush</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>The Shallows</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>10. BLAIR WITCH</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Adam Wingard</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James Allan McCune, Callie Hernandez, Corbin Reid, Brandon Scott, Wes Robinson, Valorie Curry</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Honestly, if the rest of the film was as good as the last 15 minutes or so of Adam Wingard’s surprise sequel to the 1999 hit, there’s a very good chance that it would be sitting at Number One on this list. Unfortunately, this film is not as groundbreaking as its predecessor and some of the characterisation falls flat.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, I really do think that the climactic sequence within the confines of that familiar house in the woods is arguably the most terrifying and chillingly effective horror scene of the year, one that single-handedly buys the movie a place on this list.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>9. HOLLOWER</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> MJ Dixon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Adam Dillon, Becca Talulah, Nicholas Vince</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UK-based micro-budget maestro MJ Dixon has created something astonishing with his Mycho-verse horror franchise. From </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Slasher House</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to its sequels</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> Legacy of Thorn</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Cleaver</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, these connected films show tremendous imagination and visual flair.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Hollower</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is quite possibly his best effort yet. A taut, lean psychological chiller with a trio of great performances from Dillon, Talulah and Vince, it’s also the most mature and frightening film from Dixon yet. The bar has been raised for </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Slasher House II</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> — if it lives up this one expect to see that movie on this list next year.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>8. PHANTASM RAVAGER</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Hartman</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Reggie Bannister, A. Michael Baldwin, Dawn Cody, Angus Scrimm</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don Coscarelli’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Phantasm</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series is one of the most creative horror series there is. There were times when I thought this final chapter would never come.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> Ravager</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> arrived and somehow managed to be both perfect and disappointing. It gave the fans a real sense of closure, presenting a ballsy, brave conclusion to the tale of Reggie, Mike, Jody and, of course, the sinister Tall Man. Yet as a standalone film for the uninitiated it lacked frights and a sense of cohesion. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But that’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Phantasm</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for you, a dream-like paradox, tonally uneven but full of heart. We may never see its likes again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>7. THE WITCH</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Robert Eggers</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ralph Ineson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Dickie</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m bracing myself for flak here. The critically acclaimed genre movie of the year was visually spectacular, very deep and different to everything else and… well, a bit dry. There can be no faulting the look of</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> The Witch</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the tone, the nightmarish imagery or the stunning performances (everybody in this film is incredible, even the goat!). But I found the story a little flat and ultimately, didn’t care enough about the characters. I’m sure this will be the top horror flick for plenty of people and I can understand that decision — but it was a little too cold and detached for me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>6. TRAIN TO BUSAN</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sang-ho Yeon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yoo Gong, Soo-an Kim, Yu-mi Jeong, Dong-seok Ma, Eui-sung Kim</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>28 Days Later</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on a train in Korea. So I wrote in my review of this absolutely brilliant zombie flick back in October and that description is still so apt.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s intense, frenetic and breathes fresh life into a subgenre that, like its undead monsters, has been shuffling towards obsoletion. It’s gory, pulse-poundingly action-packed and it doesn’t relent for a single moment, yet still manages to weave a sentimental story about a fraught father-daughter relationship as it does so. A genuine triumph.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>5. THE CONJURING 2</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James Wan</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmigia, Frances O’Connor, Madison Wolfe</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Much like its predecessor trumped big studio horror rival </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Insidious: Chapter 2</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, its sequel surpasses this year’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Ouija</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> sequel and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Lights Out</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It packs more frights, more heart and some seriously impressive film-making from modern-horror master James than either of its big rivals and delivers some of the very best spooky moments of the year. I can’t be the only fan to hope that Wan’s franchise about real-life demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren runs and runs — if the next film is even half as good as this we have a real treat in store.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>4. DON’T BREATH</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>E</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fede Alvarez</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, Stephen Lang</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes the most simple premise delivers the most effective results. Fede Alvarez’s nail-biting thriller about three burglars who pick the wrong house is a perfect case in point. Built around a powerhouse performance from </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Avatar </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tough-guy Stephen Lang, this is a film that is utterly gripping and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. It also boasts a couple of seriously out-there plot developments that do a wonderful job of establishing the robbers’ blind-victim as far less sympathetic and one of the most intimidating screen characters of the year. A must-see.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. THE MONSTER</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bryan Bertino</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was a film that flew under my radar, then slapped me square in the face when it arrived. Another deceptively simple tale about an alcoholic, The Monster is about a neglectful mother, the tumultuous relationship she has with her damaged young daughter, and a fateful night in which their car strikes, well, a monster. A moving and layered character piece is told in flashback throughout the ongoing game of cat and mouse, the film is both heart-breaking and heart-stoppingly tense. What’s more the central pair of Kazan and Ballentine are amazing. Powerful and brilliant.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. GREEN ROOM</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeremy Saulnier</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Joe Cole, Alia Shawcat, Callum Turner, Patrick Stewart</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Assault on Precinct 13</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with a punk rock band. A good siege movie is tough to pull off. This is an excellent one. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Notable for being one of the brilliant Anton Yelchin’s last roles before his tragic death, this is a tight and surprisingly bloody thriller which ratchets up the tension to nearly unbearable levels and refuses to let up. The cast is fantastic, the direction assured and the plot utterly riveting. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For a long, long time, this was my favourite film of the year and remains one that I whole-heartedly recommend. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Billy O’Brien</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christopher Lloyd, Max Records, Laura Fraser, Karl Geary</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is not a perfect film, and I’m not sure if it’s even a horror movie, but of all the flicks I’ve watched this year, few have had such a strong effect on me. You’re better off going in not knowing anything, but this darkly comic tale about a borderline psychopathic teen who comes to believe a murderous monster may be operating in his town is hilarious, frightening, disturbing, achingly hip and utterly unlike anything else you’ll see this year. Both Lloyd and Records are awesome and so is this film. These reasons, and so many more, are why I crown it the best of 2016. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And finally, because not every film can be a hit...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>SADAKO V KAYAKO</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dir: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kôji Shiraishi</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stars: </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mizuki Yamamoto, Aimi Satsukawa, Masahiro Komoto, Masaki Saisho, Elly Nanami</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In truth, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Sadako v Kayako </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">really isn’t that bad a film. The problem is that, considering the source material, it should have been brilliant. I absolutely love the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Ring</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series and I’m a huge fan of the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Ju-On</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> franchise, and this just doesn’t get close to the heights of either of them. It doesn’t help that the titular battle gets just a couple of minutes of screentime, and ultimately this just feels like a terrible missed opportunity.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;">If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hickeyshouseofhorrors/" style="text-decoration: none;">here</a>. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;">Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.</span></span></div>
Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461137749502002885.post-70864161618454133332016-12-20T07:36:00.000-08:002016-12-20T07:36:52.177-08:00DARK WEB: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CREEPYPASTA — PART 27: JANE THE KILLER RE-REVISITED – AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PASTASTALKER64<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLEASE NOTE, THIS FEATURE FIRST APPEARED OVER AT UK HORROR SCENE <a href="http://www.ukhorrorscene.com/dark-web-steven-hickeys-essential-guide-to-creepypasta-part-27-jane-the-killer-re-revisited/">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ALL SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS WILL APPEAR THERE FIRST.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last week’s Dark Web feature saw me return to the polarising Creepypasta creation of MrAngryDog (MAD), </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane the Killer</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> AKA Jane Richardson.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Loved and loathed in equal measure by Pasta aficionados, Jane is among the most well-known Creepypasta icons and has garnered a lot of attention from the fanbase since <a href="http://mrangrydog.deviantart.com/art/Jane-the-Killer-283722710">MAD’s first post to DeviantArt back in 2012</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, a post that has since come to be known as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane’s Letter</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. However, there’s still some debate as to WHICH Jane is these fans’ favourite.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You see, Jane Richardson is not the only Jane the Killer out there.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shortly after </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane’s Letter</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> hit the internet, another web user, PastaStalker64, posted her own story to the web, this one titled </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane the Killer: The Real Story</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can <a href="http://jtk.wikia.com/wiki/Jane_the_Killer:_The_Real_Story">read it over at the Jeff the Killer Wikia here.</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unlike MAD’s story, in which Jane is described simply as a relentless, remorseless enemy of Jeff with little explained motivation (until the author’s subsequent updates in which it is revealed that Ms Richardson was once a popular, normal girl in a happy relationship with her girlfriend Mary, Jeff slaughtered her family, prompting Jane to volunteer for a government experiment of a drug codenamed ‘Liquid Hate’ which gave Jane near superhuman strength and stamina, at the sacrifice or her mental stability), PastaStalker64’s Jane Arkensaw is revealed to have been a part of Jeff’s life since before that fateful day in which Jeff was left disfigured by bullies. The story weaves key plotpoints from the well-known Jeff origin tale into a fresh narrative about a seemingly normal and caring young girl.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, soon Arkensaw’s proximity to the deranged Jeff sees her fall under his malevolent gaze. Jane is subjected to a terrifying ordeal, during which Jeff sets her alight, planning to burn her skin so she will become ‘beautiful, like him’. The story finishes after Jane wakes in hospital, having received a mask from Jeff as a part of their twisted ‘courtship’ — a mask which she dons before heading out into the night to hunt her nemesis under her new name: Jane Everlasting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jl2UNWsWOU2Gp7OSMoDRCd3bOtDeX-hO7XYnqM9rz82RXpbpL3rg-fFCUB5hugx0xs9khsjimqJzDr_74NqtHibnMgzmLBFJBtRjQS7-bPFDoCclHkSLaRq8sXp8pmjexHn09u97Y3w/s1600/Deviant-art-by-Tsnophaljakarax-300x260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jl2UNWsWOU2Gp7OSMoDRCd3bOtDeX-hO7XYnqM9rz82RXpbpL3rg-fFCUB5hugx0xs9khsjimqJzDr_74NqtHibnMgzmLBFJBtRjQS7-bPFDoCclHkSLaRq8sXp8pmjexHn09u97Y3w/s400/Deviant-art-by-Tsnophaljakarax-300x260.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my first </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jane the Killer</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> feature I admitted that of the two origin stories, I might actually prefer this one because it feels a more natural part of the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jeff the Killer</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> mythos. Sure, there are definitely some clunky moments, but as a Creepypasta and (especially) as a spin-off, I think it’s actually a pretty successful attempt at storytelling. PastaStalker64 was just a teenager when she penned the story, and while some of her inexperience shines through at times, she shows tremendous potential as a fiction writer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite this decent effort, some elements of the Creepypasta fan community were rather hard on PS64 for her story, especially those who felt she had plagiarised MrAngryDog. MAD himself was pretty put out and made contact with PastaStalker64. Luckily the pair were able to resolve the issue amicably, agreeing that both Jane Richardson and Jane Arkensaw would be different, separate entities operating within the larger Jeff the Killer Universe.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From here Jane has gone from strength to strength and, minor disagreements between pro-Richardson and pro-Arkensaw fans aside, PS64’s Everlasting has built a large following, at least if the number of examples of fanart on DeviantArt, YouTube and other sites are anything to go by.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The character is even a regular in stories by other authors, including numerous takes on Jeff vs Jane (some of which are actually pretty good).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOQid6DRePP3K0t1cnklKTmHLmll2lO4PboACN-MwYtk_kxBF1718f8a5IK3W4y4TG3BkWf4Ov95lYVIeVcJROo3IkR4SS6KxtlEX13ODXY4SW0qxlSD0FoEmZ23azIZ8dF5C2-V6xig/s1600/Deviantart-by-ClaudyHE2-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOQid6DRePP3K0t1cnklKTmHLmll2lO4PboACN-MwYtk_kxBF1718f8a5IK3W4y4TG3BkWf4Ov95lYVIeVcJROo3IkR4SS6KxtlEX13ODXY4SW0qxlSD0FoEmZ23azIZ8dF5C2-V6xig/s400/Deviantart-by-ClaudyHE2-225x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But of course, whether you adore or abhor Jane Arkensaw AKA Everlasting, she could never have existed without that first story by PastaStalker64. For this, PS64 is well-deserving of praise.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I reached out to PastaStalker64 to ask if she’d be prepared to answer some questions about her role in the creation of one of Creepypasta’s most iconic characters, and she kindly agreed. The interview follows below.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hi and thanks so much for agreeing to answer my questions.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The most obvious first — what served as your inspiration for the story? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PASTASTALKER64:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Well some of the inspiration came from the original Jane the Killer, or rather the chaotic information surrounding her. I found out about her when I was about 14 years old, and didn't really know how to traverse the Internet. So when I couldn't find anything concrete enough for my liking I thought, "Why not write my own backstory and spare others this headache?" The rest of the inspiration came from my own source of constant rage, and feelings of vengeance against someone who bullied me as a child. Then I just built up my Jane based on those feelings. Actually ever since I wrote Jane's story my rage has ebbed considerably.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which writers, horror or otherwise, do you consider yourself a fan of? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS64:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I don't really keep track of the authors I read. But the ones that immediately spring to mind are Scott Lynch and Stephen Jay Gould. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you a Creepypasta fan? If so what is your favourite Creepypasta by an author other than yourself? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS64:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I'm not that much of a creepypasta fan anymore, but I still admire the way the authors blur the line between fact and fiction so easily. My favourite is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Widemouth</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The writing style is nice, and it's about a furby that tries to kill children, what's not to like?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some Jane fans are very passionate about the story. Are there any examples of fan art, such as films or readings, in particular that have impressed you? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS64:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGMF1UmI_5s">My favourite reading definitely has to be by YouTuber AmneFar</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. She has the exact voice I imagined Jane would have and brings her to life perfectly. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR40H3-vtY7-Yc1-pi3MKTf80cFJvf5tz2PyvPNPjam3jG4EAA_oOXVyEe7tLEQ7FxsWOkb4reqzOFHXDjTZCLqNgVvxg5HMEIuM7nyWUtlaPHrgFydiAnStf_abIL_BdSjfK2W8TRk0g/s1600/Deviantart-by-DorothyGeorge-218x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR40H3-vtY7-Yc1-pi3MKTf80cFJvf5tz2PyvPNPjam3jG4EAA_oOXVyEe7tLEQ7FxsWOkb4reqzOFHXDjTZCLqNgVvxg5HMEIuM7nyWUtlaPHrgFydiAnStf_abIL_BdSjfK2W8TRk0g/s400/Deviantart-by-DorothyGeorge-218x300.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel the character of Jane is wrongfully maligned by some segments of Creepypasta fandom. Have you read any of these negative comments? How do you feel about them? Have the fans been as vocal in their support as the dissenters? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS64:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I've read a few of the negative comments, and some of them are true. The writing is a little unclear at times, and some plot points are unneeded, I'll be the first to admit it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But most of the negative comments actually seem to come from MrAngryDog's side of the fandom. It's mostly just "the original Jane was better" or something along those lines, which is more annoying to me than anything. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fans have definitely been vocal in defence of this alternative version of Jane, and I doubt she would still exist if it wasn't for them. From outside the fandom it seems like things have calmed down and both sides of this fandom coexist peacefully. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr AngryDog famously created the first version of Jane the Killer. He seemed a little upset at first over your version of Jane but it seems things were soon sorted out between you both and now you're friendly. How did that come to happen? Have you had much interaction with Mr AngryDog? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS64: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He actually contacted me a couple years after I wrote the story, probably expecting a fight of some kind. Instead I immediately apologized for plagiarizing his character, and we came to an agreement that both characters would exist separately as individual characters. We've only spoken the one time, but he seems to come across as a relatively level-headed individual. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have any other Creepypasta creations either in the pipeline or already out there that you'd like to share with our audience? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS64:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I only posted the one story, but I have tried creating other stories. None of them were up to my standards, or just seemed like knock-offs of stories that had better execution than mine, so I never finished or posted them. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And finally will you ever return to the story of Jane? And what else can your fans look forward to from you in the days ahead?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PS64:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I have tried writing a sequel at least five times, with three different narrators, different settings, and I didn't like a single one. I have a definite ending for Jane that I think fans would be satisfied with, but it's the middle I have trouble with and really getting inside character's heads (other than Jane). I might post a story sometime, but definitely not in the near future. I don't think fans should expect much from me otherwise. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HHoH: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for speaking with us.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With Jeff as popular as ever, it seems that his nemesis, Jane, won’t be going anywhere either.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s great to talk to the creative minds behind some of our beloved genre’s biggest characters and stories, and for the next feature in this series I’ll be speaking with one of the creators of a creepypasta A-Lister.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You will know who He Is...</span></div>
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Hickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835709471025739311noreply@blogger.com0