Screenings in the Bay (Monday to Friday)

Okay guys, the Super Bowl is over and downtown is almost safe to visit again. Deconstruction of "Super Bowl City" should be underway and the sports insanity sounds like it's winding down if not over. But exciting stuff is still coming to the bay area. Like IndieFest, for starters, which starts this Wednesday. Although nothing in these first couple of days really stands out on the horror front, there will be a "Bad Art" gallery (with booze) at the end of the week. Let's see what else is going on around us:

Alamo Drafthouse

Terror Tuesday!

Invasion of the Blood Farmers (1972)

Tuesday 9th @ 10pm (1hr 24min)

Horror (IMDB)

"Modern-day druids search upstate New York for the blood type needed to revive their long-dead leader."

Weird Wednesday!

Darktown Strutters (1975)

Wednesday 10th @ 10pm (1hr 30min)

Fantasy/ Blaxsploitaion (Google)

"Syreena (Trina Parks) leads the Darktown Strutters, an all-female, all-African-American motorcycle gang. Her mother (Frances Nealy) is kidnapped by Commander Cross (Norman Bartold), the nefarious white owner of a suspiciously popular fried chicken restaurant. Cross tries to subvert the African-American community by abducting their most prominent citizens. In order to rescue her mother, Syreena must battle against the KKK, the LAPD and her hapless boyfriend, Mellow (Roger E. Mosley)."

The American Dreamer (1971)

Thursday 11th @ 6:20pm & 9:20pm (1hr 30min)

Documentary (IMDB)

"A documentary about actor/director Dennis Hopper, showing him at his home and studio putting together his film "The Last Movie.""

Roxie Theatre

Staff Picks!

Polyester (1981) in 35mm and Odorama

Wednesday 10th @ 7pm (1hr 26min)

Thursday 11th @ 9:15pm

Indie film/ Comedy (Google)

"A frustrated housewife, Francine Fishpaw (Divine), tries to maintain her sanity while taking care of her dysfunctional household. Elmer (David Samson), her husband and the owner of an adult theater, is sleeping with his secretary, and her delinquent teen son, Dexter (Ken King), and pregnant teen daughter, Lulu (Mary Garlington), aren't helping matters any. But when Francine meets dashing Todd Tomorrow (Tab Hunter), the owner of a theater specializing in art films, her life appears rosier."

New Parkway Theatre

Mystery Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (????)

Friday 12th @ 10:30pm

Comedy/ Sci-Fi (IMDB)

518 Valencia 

Bad Art Gallery

Friday 12th @ 8pm (3 hrs)

"BAD ART, selectively curated from the finest thrift stores, flea markets and dumpsters of the Bay Area!

GOOD FILMS, short film screenings all night

FUN TUNES DJ'd by IndieFest staffers Bishop and Junkyard

TASTY BEVERAGES, on the house, courtesy of Lagunitas, Pabst, Tito's, #209, Herradura and Pussers." 

(This is a free event)

-Huntress

Creepy PastaMania!

This week I'm going to focus on a topic that was the scariest thing to me when I was a little kid... nothing in the world scared me more than the thought of aliens and it's pretty much thanks to UPN airing something most people know as the "McPherson Tapes" or "Alien Abduction Incident at Lake County." That was my first ever experience with found footage and I thought I was really seeing the last terrifying night of some family as they were terrorized and taken away by aliens. For the next few years the very thought of that footage was enough to nearly send me into a panic attack. Now that I'm older, I'm a little ashamed such a crappily made movie scared me so bad but the fear I once had turned into a appreciation for things Sci-Fi and alien in general.

When Gods Blink

(Pasta Served Here)

Genre: Sci-Fi

Author: CharminglyShallow

Reading Time: 20-30 minutes 

Synopsis: When the world loses 23 seconds, one of our brightest minds tries to find out why. But can he handle the answer..?

Creepiness

(How Scary)

Pasta Quality

(How Well Written)

This story isn't scary in the usual way; it's scary in the "it's kinda too complicated for my little brain to even comprehend" kind of way. Trying to imagine that our whole world could just be some program made by beings who would consider us ants at best is very frightening in its own way.

---------------

A bit of info on this next one, it's supposed to be written by an alien so some of the words for numbers and distances are made up.

The Gift of Mercy

(Pasta Served Here)

Genre: Sci-Fi

Author: Unlisted

Run Time: 4-8 minutes

Synopsis: After observing us for many years, an alien race decides our fate.

Creepiness

(How Scary)

Pasta Quality

(How Well Written)

I think this second story shows how a lot of people think aliens would view us, at least in the beginning. They would recognize that we were sapient but also too violent to be left to our own devices and would stop us before we ever had the chance to become a problem for them.

- Ice Giant

Screenings in the Bay (Friday to Sunday)

This is a pretty light weekend for horror variety, although one of the movies is an new release, opening today. But from what I can see, this is just the calm before the storm of film fests and cool movies in the bay area. And I'm very happy to see the triumphant return of the Stanford Theatre!

Opening today!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)

Opening Night Friday 5th (1hr 48 min)

Check local listings

Action/ Horror/ Romance (IMDB)

"In the 19th century, a mysterious plague turns the English countryside into a war zone. No one is safe as the dead come back to life to terrorize the land. Fate leads Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James), a master of martial arts and weaponry, to join forces with Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), a handsome but arrogant gentleman. Elizabeth can't stand Darcy, but respects his skills as a zombie killer. Casting aside their personal differences, they unite on the blood-soaked battlefield to save their country."

Clay Theatre

The Fifth Element (1997)

Friday 5th & Saturday 6th @ 11:55pm (2hr 6min)

Action/ Adventure/ Scifi (IMDB)

"In the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr Zorg at bay."

Stanford Theatre

Notorious  (1945)

 Friday 5th to Sunday 7th 

@ 5:35pm & 9:35pm (1hr 42min)

Drama/ Film Noir/ Romance (IMDB) 

"In order to help bring Nazis to justice, U.S. government agent T.R. Devlin (Cary Grant) recruits Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman), the American daughter of a convicted German war criminal, as a spy. As they begin to fall for one another, Alicia is instructed to win the affections of Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), a Nazi hiding out in Brazil. When Sebastian becomes serious about his relationship with Alicia, the stakes get higher, and Devlin must watch her slip further undercover."

Playing with:

The Philadelphia Story  (1940)

Friday 5th @ 7:30pm

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm

Comedy/ Romance (IMDB)

"This classic romantic comedy focuses on Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn), a Philadelphia socialite who has split from her husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), due both to his drinking and to her overly demanding nature. As Tracy prepares to wed the wealthy George Kittredge (John Howard), she crosses paths with both Dexter and prying reporter Macaulay Connor (James Stewart). Unclear about her feelings for all three men, Tracy must decide whom she truly loves."

-Huntress

Famous Monsters Present: Silver Scream Festival

Here at the Overlook Theatre, we love conventions. And not necessarily huge ones like San Diego Comic-Con, where you spend most of your day wading through huge crowds and waiting in line for everything; we are much more interested in the small, intimate events, where you actually get to spend a couple minutes (or longer, depending how tongue tied you get) talking to the guests that you've been waiting to meet. The catch for us is simply that so many of the cons that we want to go to are in Southern California and require early planning, time off of work, rentals, and so on. That's why I'm so excited about the Silver Scream Fest, which will be held in Santa Rosa, which is about an hour and a half away from the San Francisco bay area! This film and comic fest is presented by Famous Monsters of Filmland, who have partnered with the Santa Rosa Entertainment Group and the “Classic Underground Lost Treasures”, or CULT, at the Roxy Stadium 14. I can't tell you how many times we tried to plan an after-work mini road trip to the Roxy Stadium 14 for their Thursday Cult movie double features, but it's just far enough to be impossible. 

Aside from meeting established celebrities, the mission of Silver Scream is to find new talent in the fields of film and graphic novels. At the time that I'm writing this, they are currently at the last call for submissions, but if you have a project that you feel strongly about, or just want to get some exposure, you can check out the submissions page. I'm not too sure about the rules or guidelines, unfortunately. 

The full program for the event has not yet been posted, but a lot of the guests have been announced. Here are a couple of them: 

Rick Baker

John Landis

Darick Robertson

Robert Englund

Heather Langenkamp

Just to name a few! The rest of the announced guests can be found here. 

We are just about a month away from the Silver Scream, which will be held March 4th-6th. Tickets and weekend passes can be found here and they range from single day, to packages that come with a t-shirt and party invitation. 

 I hope to see some of you guys there! 

-Huntress

Treasures From The ComiCombs

The end of a month usually means a pretty thin release schedule but fear not, I searched through the releases from last week and I have some great books for you to check out. All of these are worth reading but they also contain some really cool artwork. Next week I’ll be starting a brand new review and I’ve got two books ready but I need your help choosing, read on to find out just what they are.

Black Magick #4 (Image Comics)

Writer –Greg Rucka

Artist – Nicola Scott

Colortst – Nicola Scott/Chiara Arena

This book started off strong and we’re getting close the end of the first arc. Greg Rucka has a story that draws you in right away and keeps you guessing. Nicola Scott has some great artwork here. A predominantly black and white book, the minimal amount of color is used brilliantly. If the story doesn’t draw you in, the art sure will.

Monstress #3 (Image Comics)

Writer – Marjorie Liu

Artist – Sana Takeda

This has been a surprisingly good read. The first issue goes through a lot and may be discouraging to some but only 3 issues in this book is going strong. Marjorie Liu has an interesting story to tell here and it is only elevated by Sana Takeda. Takeda's artwork is nicely detailed and her colors are beautifully done. There are some pretty brutal deaths and breathtaking pages throughout this issue. Definitely check this one out.

Outcast #15 (Image Comics)

Writer- Robert Kirkman

Artist- Paul Azaceta

Colorist – Elizabeth Breitweiser

This is a story that has been carefully laid out. Issue #15 is full of confrontations and some pretty harsh truths. The previous issue left us after a violent confrontation and we see the involved parties dealing with the fallout. Paul Azaceta is brilliant in the way he shows the characters emotions and Elizabeth Breitweiser does an excellent job with the colors. This book is still killing it.

That’s it for my weekly picks. Next week I will be starting a new review of one of the following two books so let me know if you prefer one or the other.

Nijigahara Holograph by Inio Asano

“Even as butterflies ominously proliferate in town, the rumor of a mysterious creature lurking in the tunnel behind the school spreads among the children. When the body of Arie Kimura’s mother is found by this tunnel’s entrance, the legend seems to be confirmed. In order to appease the wrath of the beast, the children decide to offer it a sacrifice: The unfortunate Arie, whom they believe to be the cause of the curse.”

Sons of the Devil Book one by Brian Buccellato and Toni Infante

“A psychological horror story about Travis, an average guy trying to get by, who discovers that he has familial ties to a deadly cult. Told across three decades, Sons of the Devil is an exploration of cults, family and the dark side of human nature.”

- Creature of the ComiCombs

Bluray Tuesday!

February 2nd 2016

Our favorite day of the week returns. Some nice titles are released today starting with Shout Factory / Scream Factory's Hellions and Zombie Fight Club. I saw Hellions last year around Halloween and I really enjoyed it; it's pretty different but in a good way and something I'd definitely recommend. The 2016 remake of cult classic film Martyrs also arrives in stores today. Unfortunately, this film is receiving an overwhelming amount of bad reviews. The original was very dark, gritty, gory and felt like nothing couldn't happen in the film, where as the remake is very Hollywood and watered down. The most interesting release of this week is Extraordinary Tales, an animated anthology film based on Edgar Allen Poe's best known stories that I've never heard about. Rounding out the week is the re-release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Batman Bad Blood, Bridge of Spies and The Last Witch Hunter. The Last Witch Hunter will also have a Best Buy Steelbook release. What will you be buying, renting or skipping this week? Let us know, and don't forget to check out our Instagram page Here. Say hi, we love talking about all things horror.

Hellions: Amazon - $16.99

A teen (Chloe Rose) faces a night of terror when three malevolent trick-or-treaters come knocking at her door.

 

Zombie Fight Club: Amazon - $14.99

Two survivors (Andy On, Jessica C) of a zombie attack are forced into a brutal battle against undead gladiators.

 

Martyrs (2016): Amazon - $14.99

With help from a friend (Bailey Noble), a tormented woman (Troian Bellisario) tracks down the family that imprisoned and tortured her when she was a child.
In ‘Martyrs’ 10-year-old Lucie flees from the isolated warehouse where she has been held prisoner. Deeply traumatized, she is plagued by awful night terrors at the orphanage that takes her in. Her only comfort comes from Anna, a girl her own age. Nearly a decade later and still haunted by demons, Lucie finally tracks down the family that tortured her. As she and Anna move closer to the agonizing truth, they find themselves trapped in a nightmare – if they cannot escape, a martyr’s fate awaits them.

 

The Last Witch Hunter: Amazon - $19.99

The modern world holds many secrets, the most astounding being that witches still live among us. Centuries ago, Kaulder (Vin Diesel) managed to slay the all-powerful Witch Queen, decimating her followers in the process. Before her death, she cursed the valiant warrior with her own immortality, separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Her resurrection now threatens the survival of the human race as Kaulder, the only one of his kind remaining, faces her vengeful wrath.

 

Steelbook: Best Buy - $19.99 

 

Bridge Of Spies: Amazon - $22.99

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers' only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man's freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court.

 

Extraordinary Tales: Amazon - $19.99

Christopher Lee, Bela Lugosi and Julian Sands narrate the Edgar Allan Poe stories "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" and "The Masque of the Red Death."

 

Batman Bad Blood: Amazon - $16.99

Bruce Wayne is missing. Alfred covers for him while Nightwing and Robin patrol Gotham City in his stead. And a new player, Batwoman, investigates Batman's disappearance. 

 

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs: Amazon - $22.99

The Grimm fairy tale gets a Technicolor treatment in Disney's first animated feature. Jealous of Snow White's beauty, the wicked queen orders the murder of her innocent stepdaughter, but later discovers that Snow White is still alive and hiding in a cottage with seven friendly little miners. Disguising herself as a hag, the queen brings a poisoned apple to Snow White, who falls into a death-like sleep that can be broken only by a kiss from the prince.

    

 

-The Impostor

  

Screenings in the Bay (Monday to Friday)

The bay area is about to get torn apart by tourists and football fans. But for those of us who don't have hundreds of dollars (or the interest) to attend any Super Bowl parties, the movies are always a perfect alternative. Here's what we can expect this week:

OPENING THIS WEEK

Pride + Prejudice + Zombies (2016)

Early Screenings Thursday 4th

Official Release Friday 5th (1hr 48 min)

Action/ Horror/ Romance (IMDB)

"In the 19th century, a mysterious plague turns the English countryside into a war zone. No one is safe as the dead come back to life to terrorize the land. Fate leads Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James), a master of martial arts and weaponry, to join forces with Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), a handsome but arrogant gentleman. Elizabeth can't stand Darcy, but respects his skills as a zombie killer. Casting aside their personal differences, they unite on the blood-soaked battlefield to save their country."

Alamo Drafthouse

Three versions of this poster will be available for purchase at the screening

HAXAN: Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922)

Monday @ 8pm (1hr 17min)

Documentary/ Horror (IMDB)

"The legendary occult “expose” from 1922, HAXAN, is given a new soundtrack performed live by Chicago-based ambient/metal masters Wreckmeister Harmonies. Grave robbing, torture, possessed nuns, and a satanic Sabbath: Benjamin Christensen’s shockingly beautiful silent film uses a series of dramatic vignettes to explore the scientific hypothesis that the witches of the Middle Ages suffered the same hysteria as turn-of-the-century psychiatric patients. It’s a witches’ brew of the scary, gross, and darkly humorous, featuring some of the most eye-poppingly Satanic imagery to ever appear on the silent screen."

TERROR TUESDAY

The Howling (1981)

Tueday 2nd @ 10pm (1hr 30min)

Horror (IMDB)

"After a bizarre and near fatal encounter with a serial killer, a television newswoman is sent to a remote mountain resort whose residents may not be what they seem."

WEIRD WEDNESDAY

Vice Squad (1982)

Wed 3rd @ 10:45pm (1hr 37min)

Action/ Crime/ Drama)

"An unlikely Hollywood hooker (Season Hubley) helps a detective (Gary Swanson) set a trap for a mutilator pimp (Wings Hauser)."

Clay Theatre

The Fifth Element (1997)

Friday 5th & Saturday 6th @ 11:55pm (2hr 6min)

Action/ Adventure/ Scifi (IMDB)

"In the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr Zorg at bay."

Roxie Theatre

Dreams Rewired (2015)

Monday 1st @ 9pm (1hr 28min)

Tuesday 2nd @ 8:30pm

Wed 3rd @ 9:45pm

Documentary/ History

"DREAMS REWIRED traces the desires and anxieties of today’s hyper-connected world back more than a hundred years, when telephone, film and television were new. As revolutionary then as contemporary social media is today, early electric media sparked a fervent utopianism in the public imagination – promising total communication, the annihilation of distance, an end to war. But then, too, there were fears over the erosion of privacy, security, morality. Using rare (and often unseen) archival material from nearly 200 films to articulate the present, DREAMS REWIRED reveals a history of hopes to share, and betrayals to avoid."

-Huntress