The series begins in the aftermath of KK2, with a grizzled Johnny Lawrence down and out in Reseda. An estranged father living in an apartment thereabouts, taking odd jobs where he can, along with a steady stream of Coors. But it's not until after he saves a boy from bullies outside a liquor store, calling upon his nascent karate training, that he starts to remember who he is. Sensei, Rocker, badass.
Spurred with the inspiration of new pupil Miguel {whose mom becomes Lawrence's girlfriend}, endeavors to resurrect Cobra Kai in the valley, which has become overrun by Larusso's prevailing influence as a major car dealer, with billboards all over the place, TV commercials, complete with giveaways of bonsai trees to customers.
Villain Theory
The major narrative concentrates on the Daniel is the true villain theory, coming into town out of nowhere, taking his girl Ali {even though she stated she no longer considered them together}, baiting confrontations, etc. Ali actually appears through Lawrence's contact.
So when his cherished Pontiac Firebird is struck, begrudgingly has to speak with his old nemesis. From this awkward confrontation, the new adventures begin.
When Larusso notices Cobra Kai back in operation, he eventually opens Miyagi Dojo as an alternative to what he sees as an evil, brutal force returned, developing Crusader Syndrome. Along the way, both dojos attract attention, galvanizing the valley into Martial Arts cliques, but frequently yielding bullies from former victims, becoming that which they fought against. Thus all the characters come into play.
Karate Riot
In the wake of the All Valley Tournament, a major changing point arrives when a fullscale "karate riot" takes place at school due to Daniel's daughter Samantha & Cobra Kai student Tory's rivalry, thus igniting Miguel & Robby's strife as well, ending with incapacitating results & extended recovery.
Plus, none other than Dee Snider contributes to the rehabilitation! Herein, we can credit perseverance, tenacity, unconventional training, AND Heavy Metal for Miguel's recovery!
Notably, musical selections featured are AC/DC, Poison, Judas Priest, Ratt, Foreigner, Boston, Twister Sister, REO Speedwagon, Queen, White Snake, Motley Crue, WASP, Chicago, Journey. Among others like Bananarama & Wang Chung, plus more. Other Dracommended selections which would go well with the series are Krokus, Asia, Survivor, Dokken, Quiet Riot, Oingo Boingo, Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Y&T, Eagles, KISS, et al, even some early Metallica and Slayer!
Morbid synchronicity
At one point, Johnny parties & rides with his Cobra Kai motorcycle chums Dutch, Bobby, Jimmy & Tommy after escaping Tommy's hospitalization, and get into a bar brawl. Ironically, a final scene displays a body bag being zipped up over Tommy, when the character had uttered "Get him a body bag!" in KK.
First Assistant Director and Production Manager Jeff Kay suddenly died.
Return of The Serpents
Cobra Kai eventually attracts the unwanted attention of Kreese, who has been surviving on his wits the whole time, now seeing this as an opportunity to reform his identity as Sensei. All to the consternation of Lawrence and Larusso. Silver eventually also comes into the picture, in all of their serpentine dynamics of deceit, using every clever trick in the book against eachother, others, acquaintance or foe. However, I do appreciate the inclusion of a black serpent devouring a mouse!
Turns out Kreese & Silver are army allies who fought in Vietnam together, and whose Sergeant was every bit as brutal as they. At one point Silver purchases the original dojo location on Lankershim! Jun Chong Tae Kwon Do NH location. My TKD "alma mater", as it were. The others being Ryu Dojo Kenpo Karate & Dux Ninjutsu.
Alliance
Because of the growing dominance of Cobra Kai, Lawrence & Larusso decide to join forces, but of course, animosities eventually drive them apart as well, though they seem to be incrementally evolving into more civil cooperation.
After a brief visit back to Okinawa to save the dealership, we get to see Kumiko, lovely as ever, and Chozen also returns to help with this alliance, contributing his own style and perspective, along with hitherto private resources of Miyagi Do wisdom steeped in tradition.
Styles
I have found styles represented as Miyagi-Do to resemble Kenpo, Eagle Fang Tae Kwon Do, with some Shotokan, and Cobra Kai an almost militaristic bent on TKD overall.
Making sense
Notably, the series delves into the psychological underpinnings of several main characters, venturing into backgrounds, origins, past traumas, motivations, etc., enriching the plot significantly & providing clarification. Because this is an ongoing series, generous examinations and explanations are afforded the viewer, which is appreciated. [5/5] ∞
Gary & Leslie are a couple of paranormal investigators who travel to an island off the coast of Massachusetts to research an ill-reputed Hotel haunted by a Witch. They also happen to be a couple. He the patient pent-up fiancée and she a sexually frustrated virgin, believe it or not.
Reminiscent of the Sutro Baths, a wealthy family arrives with perpetually concupiscent architect "Linda" to inspect the place for a possible private club. Brothel? Cult Temple? Unspecified.
They bring the kids who are the first to see The Witch abouts, and pregnant daughter Jane* who threatens to burst at any moment. She appropriately, eventually becomes possessed by The Witch. Looking quite the 'Sexorcist' herself. In the end, Jane ironically throws herself out the window like Fr. Karras in order to exorcise The Witch.
A preternatural storm brews stranding all upon the island. Despite desperate attempts to gain the attention of a hellicopter, are damned to forego the nefarious plans The Witch has conjured for them.
The Witch is a cool Norma Desmond type former actress in black appearing here and there casting spells, as they all one by one meet with ghoulishly sinful predicaments according to their nature. Three Doors to The Darkside named LUST, AVIRICE, & IRE are keys necessitated to open hellish dimensions wherein demons appear to enact gruesome tortures, while others meet various grisly demises, including a suffocating incineration, and a most notable inverted cross immolation! [4/5] ∞
_____________ * Pieced together "Jane"/"Jayne", as in "Mansfield", pregnant as in Rosemary Woodhouse, with a Demon baby?
Trivia
Realife husband & wife team David Hasselhoff & Catherine Hickland star herein - KR Michael & 'Stevie'! She plays Mike's primary love interest on the show.
In one point separation, episode Halloween Knight [S3/E5] features a Witch named Esmerelda trying to acquire KITT for the Warlocks & Witches Ball.
"In the remmus rain of 1845... the portrait finally arrived...!" ~ {King Diamond, Abigail: Arrival}
1845 ce. Introductory scene taken from Black Sunday {sans hooded executioner}, the mask of The Devil impaled onto a "witch's" face before immolation upon a tree.* Thus wither 'evil soul' trapped inside a poppet, to be forever sealed therein, until a clueless hack journalist named Fenn investigating cattle mutilations in the area finds it inside the tree, breaks it open to bolster a boring story, thus releasing the malevolence.
All of a sudden miracles begin happening in the small provincial New England towne of Banfield through an intermediary deaf girl Alice, supposedly under the influence of "Mary", the catholic 'divine' matriarch {'goddess' archetype}, while the 'witch's' name also just so happens to be "Mary" Elnor {Endor?}. Healing miracles by way of Satan, including her hearing, transforms the towne into a tourist attraction & haven for beLIEvers, incrementally turning into a cult, revolving around the tree instead of the crucifix.** Housing it within a makeshift canopy "chapel" literally nexto the church. Ergo, "when 'god' builds a church, The Devil builds a chapel next door." [Martin Luthor]
After a heart attack, even the resident priest & "father" to Alice, with a chain smoking habit is healed from emphysema, which apparently now with healthy lungs, gives him a few more decades of fumigation! In a remarkable scene, Elnor makes herself known in the confessional, informing him from whence her Powers originate, through this first and substantial "sacrifice".
"Faith in Evil empowers Evil": While Elnor appears to, and indwells Alice, as a luminescent "virgin mary", she begins haunting the chapel and Fenn in her true diabolical form, as sort of a "twisted, half-seen creature, wraith-like", in shadowy corners of his subconscious. Through a series of manifestations frightening Fenn, as well as a priest assigned to assuage the potential for legitimate miracles according to the catholic church, becomes the resident exorcist, but is himself spectacularly impaled and set ablaze, a seeming "payback" for past clerical transgressions.
Finally, upon Mass to be officiated in the chapel rather than main sanctuary, where Elnor shall be empowered to possess her daemonic inheritress Alice, tellingly enunciated in the veritable prayer invocation of a modified "Hail Mary of Banfield", she emerges renewed through the girl. But due to an unfortunate mistake by Alice, returns to the tree and hellfire.
Conclusion
Personally, I find the {predictable} "jumpscares" unnecessary, as the psychodrama is sufficiently established, allowing for a steady growth of a malignant atmos-fear, without such cheap tactics better relegated to slasher films. But overall, a well-made & enjoyable film. [5/5]
Amusingly, on a couple of occasions some of the resident herdlings found certain parts just too disturbing to remain in the theater, and left altogether. Which is a fantastic complement to the creators! I certainly would take it as a great complement! It is a horror movie after all, containing elements of religious psychology, so it is surprising that it is rated PG-13, perhaps better rated R.
∞
{Also dracommended is the namesake presentation with some notable differences, such as instead of a witch, the antagonist is a succubus dæmon!}.
_____________ * Most probably not a real witch worth her sulfur, for the time their own sheeple were thusly exploited and accused, but perhaps such injustice would hypothetically result from such opportunistically hypocritical murder, like a vengeful 'spirit' created by them! Another xianightmare!
** Plagiarized legendry: Though it can be argued that the cross, crucifix, etc., is merely a xian extension of the Kabbalistic Sephiroth tree of life {with its corollary 'roots' in Yggdrasil}, otherwise indicative of the Pagan Druidic veneration of [oak] trees.
Combining hellements of The Omen, Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist, Poltergeist, Ghostbusters, even The Devil's Rain, a sexy mom who just so happens to have had a brief, albeit crucial encounter with a cult, bears The Antichrist hellion who kills just about every stepfather one way or another, he ever had, except for well-meaning Gary who honestly seeks to understand and build a genuine rapport with littlevil Lucas, which actually eventually works. Problem is, the cult seek to sacrifice Lucas to open The Gates of Hell and bring forth Armageddon. So together with his buddies from a parenting therapy group, endeavor to rescue Lucas from this unmercyful fate.
Kidnapped from a waterpark after a fun-filled rumpus, with "Miss Shaylock" {Sally Field, Gidget!; ref. "Mrs. Baylock", The Omen}, & "Reverend Gospel".
Throughout the presentation, certain sinematic references from the aforementioned films are amusingly implied, from the only dagger that can kill Lucas {ref. "Daggers of Megiddo", The Omen}, the "Keymaster" {ref. Ghostbusters}, dwarfriend "Gozamel" {ref. "Gozer" for short, Ghostbusters}, {ref. "we've come to do god's work", 'Blues Brothers'}, levitation {Exorcist}, staring and apparently 'communicating' with a static screen {Poltergeist}, to the red robe worn by the High Priest while congregants are in black {The Devil's Rain}, and what did My Evil Eyes spy, but no less than My Omnigram sigil, complete with eye, upon the platelet over The Pit of The Abyss! Classic "shilgne" backwards speech is also used by the Priest at the wedding.
Overall, such nice touches here and there make for an enjoyable diabolical matrix. [4/5]
The Relentless are a "nu metal", pseudo-industrial type band desiring stardom in Hollywood, trying to follow the likes of rockers Mötley Crüe. Apparently, The Devil "Mr. Capricorn" helps them along but they must provide remittance in the form of a "sacrifice", and they find the perfect DESERVING victim, a drug-addled former band member & rapist "Damien" who perishes one way or the other. If not by hellfire, then by riding the lightning! This launches them to record an album named "American Satan" and a world tour, encountering all the stereotypical compulsions, self-destructive over-indulgences, groupies, etc.
The vocalist "Johnny Faust" eventually overdoses, dies, is resuscitated {via adrenalin to the heart, a-la Pulp Fiction}, in what amounts to a more or less suicide attempt due to depression over the loss of his girlfriend. Learning from his mistakes, eventually cleans up and reunites with her. Becoming his Sharon to Ozzy. Then Faust's mother is healed of terminal cancer by demonic forces, and joyfully couples with Capricorn.
Whereupon the band engages in a barfight, one of the antagonists dies from his injuries {so-called 'nigger knife' to the side of the head}, prompting a trend of provoked self-defense overkill murders among fans against bullies. The vocalist ends up doing a little time in prison.
Some occult iconography. By the by, we see the Eliphas Levi rendition of The Sabbatic Baphomet illuminated by candlelight, overlooking an orgiastic, veritable Devil's bordello of salacious succubi. A preferable environment. [4/5] ∞
Soundtrack Let Him Burn - The Relentless / Mr. Doctor Man - Palaye Royale / Heaven Knows - The Pretty Reckless / Joan Of Arc - In This Moment / Fire - Barns Courtney / What It Is - Jonathan Davis / Cadence Of My Heart - The Relentless / Up All Night - Mark Slaughter / Live Like We Want To - Palaye Royale / I Got Bones - Danny Worsnop / Me Against The Devil - The Relentless / Raise Hell - Dorothy Martin / Bitches Brew - Crosses / Mother by Danzig, Performed by Prep School / Make A Shadow - Meg Myers / We Lose Control - The Relentless / Basic Needs - Jonathan Davis / 18 And Life - Skid Row / Freak On A Leash by Korn, Performed By Prep School / Glass Houses - Bad Omens / Schema - Circa Survive / Sextape - Deftones
Of note, the stylized design ideation of the emblem is pretty much, more or less, none other than the United Satanic America flag I configured for the United Satanic America rite, available on The Shadowside Shoppe. Contrast & Compare:
United Satanic America flag
American Satan flag
L'Envoi
E PLURIBUS UNUM: "Out of many, one". By the way, USA is meant to be a pluralistic democracy {leaning towards meritocracy} by the founding fathers, who, incidentally, were members of The Hellfire Club. A private fraternity dedicated to indulgence, blaspheming the christian church, private occult ceremonies, & lampooning even political mores. Separation of church & state, otherwise it would be a theocracy, like what certain denominations of protestants were fleeing from in their countries of origin. ∞
Cut to a group of pretentiously obnoxious 'college' tards consisting of 2 posers & 2 generics, go to LA in search of an 'occult adventure' of sorts, and for their masochistic meandering, really receive a deadly one! Starting with observing a mysterious shadow up in the window of an abandoned building while driving around lost.
Among the stops on the list, Cielo Drive {"Manson Family Murder House"}, Satan's House {looks familiar... sporting a hellegant inverse black cross, from which emerge 2 spiteful goths annoyed at the touristy intrusion}, an occult shoppe reminiscent of Panpipe's, and finally a haunted room in the very hotel HelLA {reminds of The Cecil}, where the urban legend of an allegedly so-called "priestess" Laney Gore of "LaVey's Church of Satan" {sic} excarnated, leaving a bloody pentagram drawn on the wall in her wake. The Ouija oracle is employed for æthyric communication by those unskilled in its application.
After being ejected from the shoppe, wherein they were disrespectfully prying & being deadbeats, they decide to spy on the proprietors, following them to the Pacific Palisades / Rustic Canyon & Malibu areas, trespassing wherein a private ceremony is taking place. Upon predictably misunderstanding the proceedings, are spooked and are run off the property, dropping an incriminating phone behind. It's returned by a street urchin that was in attendance - actually a pretty girl with nowhere to go, so they decide to invite her back to the hotel room.
Upon salacious indulgence, it's revealed that she's actually quite knowledgeable and skilled in some 'hardcore' occult practices, and otherwise becomes possessed by Laney Gore, wherein it is subsequently divulged that she devil marked each and every one of them for destruction by her offering, established by adjoining all by the circle, drawing an infernal gateway I II III ⛧ IIII IIIII whereupon each meet their doom as the night and day progresses, all ending where they started in an infinite labyrinth of terror. Shadowmantically, to each their own nightmare. [4/5] ∞
A group of highschool friends lounge at a family lake house, where the legend of a "satanic ritual" in the nearby woods is recounted, wherein a girl mysteriously disappeared. Prompted by a petty comment by twit "Wally Stoney", Abby Rivers & Gretchen Lang foolheartedly decide to investigate the story, arriving at an abandoned house. Within, they discover a cyclops tree creature {perhaps more of an Altar} with a demonic eye. Upon running out, Abby is prevented from leaving by an unseen force, while Gretchen thought she was behind her. Returning to look for her with the others, she is discovered in shock and resentment, and is not the same since.
Beginning with oppression, Abby goes about causing contention amongst the social group, concentrating on each, exacerbating compulsions, "7 deadly sins", turning them against eachother, lying behind their backs against the other, while becoming increasingly more salaciously 'sinful' herself. They all eventually reach their maximum ironic torments. Abby seemingly becomes comfortable with her 'demons', which is very attractive.
The exorcism game
The actual 'possession' doesn't begin until Gretchen & the more douchie of the "Lemon Brothers", a trio of xian weightlifting jesus freakshow exploiters, amateur wanna-be 'exorcist' named "christian" kidnap Abby, temptingly tying her to a bed. Where her flesh is to be 'scourged' in order to manifest the Demon. A primitive medieval dynamic.
It is eventually revealed the demon they are dealing with is none other than ANDRAS, the real star of the show, which explains the plethora of owls circling about, and the aforementioned discord. "christian lemon" chickens out after witnessing his dead mother burning to death, leaving poor ignorant Gretchen to continue the exorcism.
Herein, Andras is depicted as a sort of 'Dobby' or "Sméagol"-type of creature. According to The Goetia, if the Dæmon chooses to appear as such, or a plethora of guises, for greater benefit, otherwise a more imperious one is more appropriate, considering He is a Marquis of Hell, after all, which can also be at the request of the Sorcerer.
Ultimately, through a series of improvised colloquial phrases mutually shared, Andras departs in hellfire, despite their meager efforts. [4/5] ∞
_____________ Footnotes
Set in 1988 upper-middle class suburbia, seemingly in the Midwest {perhaps the "bible-belt"}.
Tiffany and Culture Club are prominent. Amusingly no mention of similar contemporary "teen queen" Debbie Gibson {"Only In My Dreams"}. Mannerisms & clothing resemble 'Valley' speech patterns, gesticulations, & æsthetics. SFV epicenter.
They attend a private Catholic highschool complete with ECI fetishistic uniforms, although the environment harkens more towards a Protestant institution. {likened St. Charles & Village xian combined}.
Abby's {Abigail?} parents are clueless, paranoid, overbearing, sniveling xians. React violently to Gretchen informing them she and Abby had taken LSD, and lesser to the claim she was raped. Gretchen is later struck by Stoney for insinuating he raped Abby.
Gretchen infatuated with a novitiate priest, who after dunktank immersion, before whom she is humiliated by Abby in reference to masturbation.
After being denied relieving herself by the nun instructor, Abbey urinates in a bucket beside the desk in front of the class, who erupt in laughter as the aghast teacher exits. She also cuts her arms.
When a girl named 'Cady' loses her parents in a snowplow accident, she's adopted by her roboticist aunt Gemma who works for a toy company. She becomes the unwitting guinapig for AI to human interaction. The anatomical & intellectual fabrications, assimilations, are thorough enough to present a convincing personality and ersatz companion for the grieving, confused girl, that she takes to it completely, essentially becoming more a 'sister' than toy appliance.
At first, it meets with success {even with minimal testing}, and is set to be released onto the world market, until M3gan starts behaving like The Bad Seed & Demon Seed combined. Slowly becoming increasingly adaptive to the point of parental usurpment, even annoying peremptory and pretentiousness.
The AI predictably learns and associates, eventually becoming as if a sovereign entity. The main objective is to protect Cady, taken to often exaggerated degrees*. First, an obnoxious neighbor's dog goes missing {she just refused to mend that gate!} But when M3gan bludgeons & pushes, an albeit deserving bully, into the road, the killing spree starts, administering Draconian judgements according to offense upon Gemma's coworkers as well.**
With the help of a surprising ally, Gemma & Cady regain control. Such is the imperativeness for the implementation of failsafes. [4/5] ∞
_____________ * KR: Some amusing comparisons with KARR herein, whose primary objective is self-preservation, while KITT's became the protection of human life.
** Some may even posit law enforcement & social Darwinism possibilities. Also calling to mind the recent SPOT addition to The Force.
This brings to mind the idea of Artificial Human Companions, which at this point in timelessness actually exist to comparable levels, as relevant applications extend into mates. In particular, consider how it applies to Satanism:
4. Development and production of Artificial Human Companions
The forbidden industry. An economic “godsend” which will allow everyone “power” over someone else. Polite, sophisticated, technologically feasible slavery. And the most profitable industry since T.V. and the computer. [Pentagonal Revisionism, LaVey]
Additionally, consider some of the more humorous juxtapositions with Vicky & Small Wonder.
The Orphan "Leena" escapes from an institution for the criminally insane to an orphanage. Then roves from wealthy family to wealthy family pretending she's a little girl, while her perpetual youthful condition aids her in these endeavors. Always falls for the husband, eventually gets rid of the wife, eventually replacing her, mostimes killing any 'siblings' as well. Though this strapping sibling "Gunnar" happens to be trained in fencing and the crossbow.
In this prequel, here is a twist. The wife 'Tricia' figures out her game, deciding to work it into her own criminal plan. Turns out she's also very beneficial to the husband, who happens to be world-renowned artist Allen Albright, who works in some very interesting painting techniques involving black light. She grants him a positive dynamic and creative stimulus. But now she has to snap to at every instance, while the overall relationship becomes stifling.
Animosities become overwhelming, as Leena, Gunnar, & Tricia fight it out in the mansion, which catches fire. All fall to their demise, leaving "Esther / Leena" the sole beneficiary, to be adopted yet again into another disturbing cycling horror scenario.
The first film was more convincing and subtle, but this chapter really enhances the following. [4/5] ∞
Despite how it is depicted on the ads, and the scars on his back, Cain is not an angel nor ever was. For those who don't know, he was the 1st murderer in the bible, who killed his brother Abel. For such, was condemned to roam the earth forever as the first erstwhile 'vampire'. He lives forever having to eat living meat from "sinners". At first, he had a medical student 'supplier' who provided him with fresh flesh, but when he's harassed, other more direct alternatives are necessary.
He has a daughter, and a waitress who's interested in him, but he has to keep his distance from pretty much every living human being because of his voracious appetite. But when his daughter is kidnapped by those wanting his secret of immortality, he plunges into the criminal underworld to retrieve her, dispatching all those who get in his way. Remarkable scenes include removing bullets from his body, and pulling out blades.
The only thing that seems to grant him solace is playing 'bingo' on holy ground in a church, distracting from both the monotony and the veritable sounds of Hell haunting his mind. He's followed around by a mysterious phantomesque man in black seemingly keeping an eye on his activities, making sure he lives out his condemnation as intended. It is never clearly revealed who he exactly is, but he's obviously either The Devil or The Angel of Death {Azræl}, who decides to take a worthy sacrifice in the end. ∞
Crowley returns through a Cambridge professor possessed by technomantic means via a virtual reality simulator. At 1st, Crowley excarnates to indwell an acolyte after learning one Jack Parsons was to perform his 'Babalon Working' to manifest a moonchild. Upon returning through Professor Haddo, he finds his beautiful scarlet woman to embark upon rites of auto-deification.
Notable scenes include Haddo reverting to primality in the hilarious urination upon students. The tripping trick of mimicking the pace of a pedestrian to make him trip through sympathetic mental transmission. Sado-Masochistic Sex 'Magick' materializing to his target as effluvium. The crucifixion of a prostitute and orgiastic indulgence.
Screenplay by Bruce Dickinson {Iron Maiden}, who also plays the role of landlord. ∞
Whereupon finding grimoire-like pages containing The Black Hymn {said to summon demons} within the sleeve of a record stolen from a musician living in an abandoned house, Zakk & Brodie, along with a couple of school chums {one of which reminds of Meatloaf} decide to form a Death Metal band. Somewhat reminiscent of Dethklok, Zakk, Brodie, Dion, & Giles name it DEATHGASM, eventually trying their talents to play The Black Hymn. But as they do, the dimensions begin to rift, everyone within earshot becomes possessed & zombified, amusingly including Brodie's fundamentalist uncle who was nagging him to stop playing that devil music. {who eventually suffers a most fitting demise!}
Brodie has an interest in a girl from school, who doesn't seem to know any better in pairing with his generic cousin, eventually wises up and gravitates towards Metal. Her listening experience is like becoming She-Ra for her! She eventually meets Zakk, but sleeping with the girl Brodie likes is pretty damned LOW. Fortunately, it does eventually work out for them.
Warlocks & Witches come to town seeking to benefit from Daemon Aeloth, "The Blind One"'s manifestation is more indicative of Occultists with a defined purpose for a certain result, in this case, somewhat reminiscent of Nancy Downes' indwelling by 'Manon' {The Craft}, the witch seeks to become possessed for omnipotence! But the last scene contains quite a twist!
Mark of the Pizzagram: Axeslasher / Realms: Beastwars / Deathgasm: Bulletbelt / Evil Like a Knife: Midnight / Hour to Live: Skull Fist / Looking Into the Abyss: Nunslaughter / Metal Is the Way: Elm Street / Retrospection: Ihsahn / Black Banshee: Bulletbelt / Heavy Metal Power: Elm Street / 8' Sativa / The Burning Shadows of Silence: Emperor / Alone: Pathology / The Infinite: Razorwyre / Desert Inferno: Razorwyre / Damn the Sky: Beastwars / Let's Kill These Motherfuckers: Lair of the Minotaur / Tyrant of the Mountain: The Wretched End / Bad for Good: Skull Fist
It was observed that this film is a virtual 'biography' of The Deathbangers! In some ways, this is true. I relate to Zakk most, with elements of Brodie. This reminded Me of Trick Or Treat with some Satanic Panic references like backward masking {called "Rob Halford style" referring to that Dream Deceivers {"dreceiver"?} courtcase}; while towards the end it really does start to resemble a Tenacious D "demon battle", whereas true 'disciples of darkness' call upon demonic forces as brothers & sisters & friends!* ∞
On the verge of breakup and even receiving a heckler, ABYSSINISTER features Katon on vocals, Ivan on guitar, Devin on bass, & Baphomet on drums; decide to make a Hell of an effort or bust. So when an opportunity presents itself to record at a studio free of charge, they jump at the chance! So the band take their girlfriends to the styx to record.
Katon acquires & decides to incorporate The Devil's Concerto* into the album {makes for atmospheric intro & background}, yet any who hear it become immediately cursed, and the environment turns into a nightmare. Derives from a witch decomposer in league with The Devil centuries ago - her ghost makes appearances here and there to guide victims along to their doom. Smacks a bit of Deathgasm in this sense.
Highlights: Mutilation hanging results in spine with head attached pulled from body. Enucleation. Zombification. Cannibalism. Succubus vampire. Full frontal Nudity. Everybody goes to Hell!
Overall, great camera angles, indie production, good special effects. [4/5] ∞
A young xian poindexter gets harassed on his way from church by bully rockers, taking his bible and urinating on it. From that day on, he becomes a priest preaching against the evils of Heavy Metal.
But when he's given a leave from his clerical duties for his extreme methods, his resolve is strengthened to challenge the decision, making his way back to the church from his apartment with walls psychotically covered in crucifixes, to arraign himself with a monks robe that once belonged to another zealot from South America.
In a crazed state, makes his first kill the resident janitor, then barrels off into the night. Only to wreck where some barrels containing toxic sewage were dumped, thus absorbing the soup, becoming a mutant xoid avenger!* Eventually making his way to a concert. Wherein he begins dispatching audience members with his wooden sword cross.
Secondary narrative involves a metal musician besieged with bad luck, gets accepted back into the band and makes a new girlfriend. Performing that night of the massacre, burning a bible as a high point in the performance to a cheering crowd. Good special effects and props as well.
Overall, makes for an albeit hypocritical, impressive villain, ironically more Metal than would be admitted!
Amusing film about mysterious neighbors moving into a suburban neighborhood, striking up the fancy and fear of locals who marvel at the nocturnal activities of the new residents who keep to themselves. I know some occult-inclined individuals can relate to the herd paranoia of the dreaded "devil house' in just about every city.
When one of the neighbors goes {temporarily} missing, they immediately jump to conclusions based upon what they do not know but only ignorantly surmise, seemingly because they don't actually have a life worth a damn outside that cul-de-sac. Acquiring a book on witchcraft history {written by paranoid xian sheeple &/or opportunistic white wolves}, it is even posited that they're Satanists!
Based on nothing more than assumptions, despite being offered hospitality, resort to breaking and entering, vandalism, destruction of property, and theft, eventually get what they deserve at the hands of law enforcement as well as the residents.
Perpetrated primarily by three intrusive chickenshits {all of whom have lovely wives}, Art, Mark, and reticent Ray, who was the last to lose his marbles; all witnessed by a gratuitous poser character and his stoner friends.
Notably, one will recognize Henry Gibson as Dr. Werner Klopek {recognizable as Mariposa from WW [S2/E14] 'Screaming Javelins'; Donald Crane from last KR episode 'Voodoo Knight' [S4/E22]}; Courtney Gains as Hans Klopek {'Malachai', Children of The Corn}.
Overall, this goes to illustrate the hysterical satanic panic attitude, which basically amounted to a publicity stunt by blindlight churches, for money, desperate attempts at relevance, and fear-mongering zealotry, nomatter who they harmed. [4/5] ∞
This characterization portrays Peewee Herman in more of a naturally salacious sense with a libido, as he hungrily pursues girlfriend Winnie during their daily picnic featuring delicious eggsalad sandwiches! Then the circus comes to town which is ill-received by local curmudgeons.
Oddly no playhouse {his total environment}, Jambi, chairy, chickiebaby or the rest here, which could have still worked. There's more of an impression of a Pippi Longstocking situation.
Peewee has 2 love interests! Starts off with a very normal, kind of generic but pretty blonde girl {like Marilyn Munster} Winnie, and an Italian gypsy girl named Gina Piccolapupula passing through withe circus as a trapeze girl. Winnie ends up becoming engaged to all 5 of the Piccolapupula brothers, and Peewee with their sister. It is also revealed that Peewee apparently has a hair fetish.
What also caught My attention is bodybuilder Franco Columbo present as The {Sardinian} Strong Man! Perfect casting as he is the real thing! Susan Tyrell {Queen of the 6th Dimension!; another most favored film Forbidden Zone} as the Ringmaster's miniature wife. There's the bearded lady & fat lady {sometimes one in the same}, the mermaid, tallman, midgets, clowns, trapeze acrobats, along with a slew of monkeys, a lion, show horses, a hippo, elephant, giraffe, his {chocolate milk} cow, chickens, & little pig pal named Vance. Like Animal Farm withe only human they like is Peewee.
Here, Peewee is a farmer & botanist working on a secret project... none other than a hotdog tree! However, a slight mistake shrinks the sausages into vienna sausage size, but have an extra side-effect in transforming the malcontent mob into their kid selves, who of course LOVE the circus! Perfect resolution. [5/5] ∞
Peewee develops wanderlust working in a diner after receiving a visit by "Joe" from New York who inspires him to travel and enjoy life more. It is about time for another adventure since broadway, and being that his band just broke up, he takes his little car and heads out cross-country to attend his new friend's birthday party.
Along the way, he encounters bank robbers {3 attractive 'reformatory' girl types who enjoy an orgy with male strippers}, an eccentric gag salesman {reminiscent of The Johnson-Smith Co. & McPhee}, a snake museum {PW has Ophidiophobia, wherein he displays an amusing high-pitched squeal!}, a farmer with 9 voluptuous daughters {sharing is caring}, a troupe of novelty "hairdressers", a voyager lady in a flying car, a wildman living in a cave, and the Amish {primitive xians}. Many interesting twists and turns herein besides!
After finally arriving in NY with the help of his namesake, he steps down into a well, preventing him from attending his friend's party, leaving Joe depressed, thinking Peewee couldn't make it... they end up enjoying eachother's dioramas and sipping rootbeer barrels.
Overall, a fun roadtrip galivant and back with Peewee, who becomes a veritable Prometheus to the residents of idyllic Fairville {almost a Pleasantville}, bringing forth the knowledge of garnish & "solar", among many other nuggets of wisdom from beyond the common boundaries. [5/5]
This horror-comedy is actually a pretty good movie with a "neighbor of the beast" feel. Even at one point, the VanHelsing character marks "667" on the wall, which is indicative of the overall feel.
Stats. Couple with 2 children inherit a house, rumored to be haunted, contains a Book of Evil, both coveted by a couple of vampires {who would have normally purchased the property, except that now they have to get around this generic couple's "inheritance", whom are sadly unappreciative and oblivious of all the hellegant decorations and spooktacular activities & hellements therein}.
Monsters start appearing when nubile daughter goes for a bath, in classic fin in the tub manner. Gil just wants the girl, whose favorite word is "creepy". While little Billy is the admitted "smart one" in the family, but upon finding and opening the Book of Evil, all manner of supernatural activity begins to manifest, essentially opening the portal to Hell, driving them to contract Van Helsing, whom in quite an interesting twist, turns to to be some sort of sorcerer who battles he resident vampire named Waldemar {and his very alluring vampiress companion}. He uses a makeshift lab to formulate cocktails in the meantime.
Attractive wife gets bitten by vampire {"owls"} in the attic, dons a translucent nightgown and sleeps in soil on the bed.
A party is scheduled for the night of Saturday the 14th, in order to contain the malevolence unleashed from the grimoire, utilizing the combined energy of the in-law visitors, who just end up being eaten; also randomly inclusive of a dorky delivery guy who falls in lust with disinterested daughter Debbie, whom became trapped in the house by the prevailing dimensional maelstrom raging outside.
After a few angular and close-up camera perspective shots during the questionable "final battle", all returns to boring wherein the final scene shows the family waving from the common house across the street, lending the viewer in the position of now being inside the haunted house! What bliss! [4/5]* ∞
A layered parody of a parody. Semi-fictional mockumentary biopic features the ascent to stardom of parody master Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic. Who found is peculiar niche amongst dementoids & dementites.
What I enjoy about Weird Al's type of epigone art is the sometimes irreverent ridicule afforded certain pretentious multimedia sources at times, providing a veritable Messe Noir / shibboleth dynamic where it may be deserved. Most recognize it in the spirit it is presented, gaining a complimentary sense, while others are deflated.
Really enjoyed the pool party scene including several showbiz icons such as Elvira, Peewee Herman, Divine, Alice Cooper, Frank Zappa, Dali, Wolfman Jack, Tiny Tim, and others. An altercation with Wolfman strengthens his resolve & spurs him on to further evolutions. Of note, besides Weird Al acted by Harry Potter, each of these characters were amusingly played by various other recognizable comedians and thespians.
Cross wearing, goldigging fake love interest Louise Ciccone {AKA "Madonna"} is eventually revealed, receiving what she deserves in the end. While Al's parental relationships began strained with their insistence on suppressing his eccentric creativity for generic proledom, but it seems certain propensities run in the family after all.
Listening to the songs on Dr. D's show eventually led to possessing the Permanent Record collection. I believe the firstime I ever heard Weird Al was My Bologna, Another One Rides The Bus, Eat It, Fat, then on to Amish Paradise, and beyond. [5/5]
Max has a wild hair, & escapes the boredom of common existence. Even though he has an 'older' sister, he seems like an only child, her concerns are superficial and only ends up taunting his imaginative eccentricities if anything, along with her common friends, not comprehending or resonant.
Fully encapsulates the 7th Statement. Thus Max goes about exercising his imagination to the furthest extent. Whereupon after expending mass amounts of energy playing, in his wolf suit no less, inclusive of, in a veritable lycanthropic state, bites his mother, runs outside and falls asleep in a boat, and into a deep slumber whereupon then goes upon a grande dream adventure!
Awakening on an island where he meets several demonsters Carol, Ira, Judith, Alexander, Douglas, Bull, and KW {classic demonic variants}, who originally debated eating him, but become friends after declaring him their king on account of his proclaimed powers and promises of thriving under his rulership.
Rumpus & The Pile! He declares Rumpus! Everyone goes wilding about, swinging from trees, running through hedges, and eventually tossing dirtclods! All of which eventually ends in a pile, where exhausted, everyone sleeps. Eventually Carol shows Max his secret island diorama displaying everyone thereon, now including him!
Per his plans, a domelike castle structure is being constructed. However, by suggestions made by "KW", a rather troublesome creature, brings in 2 'outsider' owls and recommends he construct a private room just for him, both of which frustrates Carol, who already has anger & anxiety issues, whereupon he goes raging through the forest, as it begins to dawn on him that Max is not all that he claimed, is not fulfilling his kingly duties, and intends to eat him, but is saved by KW when she hides him in her belly.
Finally, upon Max's departure, Carol forgives him and sees him off at the last moment, mutually uttering a recognizable primal howl. He finally returns home to the relief and wonderment of his mom, and eats his fill.
Overall, a fun film with smooth kinematics, vast natural environments, inspiring a sense of play which should never be lost. I suspect he will return frequently to play with his newfound friends. Awooooooooo! ∞
This investigative "team" goes to San Francisco's historic Westerfield House, where certain rituals were performed by Anton LaVey, Kenneth Anger and company {c. Magic Circle}, while Togare visited as well - his clawmarks still embedded into the wall posts!
Their job is to merely record, amateurs at best, the activities of Sorcerers {the real authorities} and the creation of, and coalescence with, prospected entities.
Now occupied by tenants who report regular paranormal anomalies, the house features a central tower where the rituals were cast, while Kenneth Anger confirms and recounts some of the nefarious events that occurred there, affirming there is most likely residual demonic energy still lingering therein. Although the place was also used previously for Magic, relating that a circle was found when they began their practice.
Videographers attempt to initiate a response by pretentiously performing The Rite of The Opening of The Gates straight out of The NECRONOMICON. While it is a veritable prop to complement Lovecraftiana, it is based upon an actual pantheon of demons and gods with methods of invocation, ergo, adding validity as a grimoire, as a framework for thoughtform projection.
At one point the participants are drawn of energy, when something extracts lifeforce for materialization, which seemingly subsequently occurs. The probable reason why increased energy was detected in the foundation of the house is due to incremental rising of force from an earthward source {or "Hell"?}, each gate acting like a veritable step stair of energetic ascension.
Overall, the 'investigation' yields a toppled camera, flickering lights, drained batteries, sudden unexplained noises, a floating translucent "veil", and what sound like voices, translated through a machine that approximates words, and perhaps a presence lingering about the tower area, both within the room and apparently encircling above. Another device attempts to place form onto mass. What is detected is something that resembles a humanoid form that transforms into a four-legged beast. While one of them claims to have seen LaVey on the stairs!
Determination is that this location is indeed haunted.
Astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson hosts this version of the series, first done by the inimitable Carl Sagan {Hail SAGAN! #1}, with a bit more dumbing down {as the herd have gotten even dumber than before!}, speaking about a combination of the moons on Saturn {particularly Enceladus, which has a liquid gaseous core emitting these qualities, which the rings are also comprised of}, and I have a feeling it is being alluded to that this is the closest possibility of their being life on other PLANETS, as he did refer to this moon as a PLANET, which could foreseeably serve 2 purposes in housing extraterrestrial life, and a possible migration point for future humanity, while Titan would not, being of another category.
Then related is the story of Victor Goldschmidt, a WW2 era scientist having to evade nazis' jewish genocide, including him, although he proudly pronounced it on their questionnaire, but spare him the concentration camp if he works for them, at which point he sends them on wild goose chases for elements that don't even exist.
He treasured olivine, a verdant rock type that he believed housed the secrets of life, so much so that at his request, his ashes are housed in it. It's sort of an igneous rock with green clusters that is resistant to heat.
These undergo a process called "serpentanization" which releases hydrogen, methane, and more that aided in transforming organic molecules into living organisms.
Next segment on 2 primary organic molecular forms - one elongated, wormlike, the other shorter with spiky protrusions. The latter descending into the netheregions of the ocean when the other's oxygen emissions became too great, which actually then formed he ozone layer. Of course, this form eventually produced its own mutated and evolved lifeforms, while the other its as well, in what perhaps may be seen in those deep sea lifeforms, like the angler.
No mention of theological concepts, just scientific principles and descriptions, all wrapped up in the "ship of the imagination", which places the viewer there to witness these dynamics. Overall 'edutainment', the best way to learn! ∞
A very pleasing, entertaining, educational, and evocative presentation reminiscent of the Mysteries of The Unknown book series by Time/Life. Blends seamlessly from story to another, with delightful subject matter including
UFO's, aliens: Roswell crash & graylien bodies mentioned being kept in a hanger}.
Sasquatch, yeti: from the PNW featuring the Patterson footage, to the Himalayas.
Nessie: I believe it is a surviving plesiosaur preserved in ideal conditions, with other additional theories of perhaps being an eel.
Psychics & spiritism: Includes a brief biography on Crowley, the SPR {Society for Psychical Research}, the séance craze and the government to police agencies using remote viewers to gain an edge & solve cold cases - one discussed tracing a little missing girl finally sadly found murdered.
ghosts, hauntings: Includes a parapsychical test on a haunted hotel room which unfortunately yielded no evidence, to a castle in Scotland featuring a lady in white, murdered monks, and a glowing boy whose skeletal remains were discovered within a fireplace wall - who stopped appearing after that.
poltergeists, possession: Sort of blended the two - 2 little girls emanating sporadic psychic energy to effect the environment, causing telekinetic havoc, and assuming alternate voices of someone who died in that room}.
reincarnation {recounts Buddhist explanations of karmic transmigration.
Zombies: The administering of certain plants and herbs for the purpose of attaining a zombie used for slavery. An actual case history of Clairvius Narcisse who was buried and reanimated.
past lives: Displays a session with a tortured, murdered woman, and a boy displaying birthmarks where his past incarnation had been shot during a robbery attempt.
life after death: A woman dies during a procedure and is brought back to life to tell of meeting deceased relatives dressed in light. Being pulled out of the body, then pushed back in.
healing: A woman seeks out a healer to desperately gain control of her deadly cancer, which diminished and went into remission - working with energy, where sometimes a 'placebo' may be the zeitgeist to activate immune system recuperation, etc.
Overall, all those interesting, fascinating subjects studied through a plethora of occult and paranormal books, everything from Edgar Cayce to Seth Speaks, to The Satanic Bible, various grimoires, and shows {from Sightings to In Search Of}, and taking classes in Parapsychology with Dr. Diane Morrissey.
∞
DEMONOID: Messenger of Death, AKA MACABRA: La mano del Diablo
possessed hand follows an attractive American lady to the states after her husband Mark {marked!} traverses into a subterranean Satanic chamber, also sealing several of his workers inside {despite their reticence, and steer clear of the accursed grounds}, steals an artifact {Hand of Doom, invoking a veritable Brody Curse!}, indwelling several along the way, including the husband {burned to death, buried and reanimated as a rotting corpse}, a cop {has a surgeon remove it, he dies}, the surgeon {chopped off by a train}, finally attaching itself to a catholic priest* in his own church, who amusingly proceeds to destroy his own sanctuary in a pointless effort to rid himself of the demonic hand, even impaling and torching his own wrist, but which will not stop until it gains The Devil's due! Which it does!
Of note, Mark was actually experiencing some of the benefits of the hand, winning 'hands' in Vegas gamblingames, until thieves desiring his secrets are themselves made veritable 'sacrifices', at which point he tried to cut off the hand with a machete, but it ends up lighting him on fire instead.
But perhaps one of the most disturbing hellements of this horror gem is that disrespectful violators get what they deserve, and all those who stand in the way of Satan's justified wrath & vengeance! The Devil will not be denied! ∞
_____________ * Crossover: Interesting to note that actor Stuart Whitman who plays Stuart Sanderson, one of the bosses in Knight Rider episode Big Iron [S2/E24], also plays the priest.
The plot calls to mind The Hand of Glory, monkey's paw, hare's foot, and even The Nightstalker holding up the pentagram. Other films which have featured the possessed Hand are Voodoo film The Devil's Hand, The Crawling Hand, and of course Thing from The Addams Family. It has also been the subject of several songs including The Hand of Doom by Black Sabbath, and HOD version by Danzig; Monkey's Paw by The Electric Hellfire Club, among others. BATHORY prominently displays it on albums, inclusive of talons to symbolize the denial of the holy trinity.
Of course, true practitioners of Satanism gesticulate The Cornu, representing The Horns of Satan in religious practice, greeting, and to affirm the philosophy. It was first ever demonstrated in the media by Anton LaVey on the back cover of The Satanic Bible, and in Church of Satan documentary Satanis.
Also noteworthy to mention that one of Our members will be unleashing a sculpture featuring the sign. I had at one point also sculpted a spiked gauntlet arm with the long clawed hand in horned formation, photographed by 'Occult Cop', 'Satan Sleuth' Randy Emon as part of his Satanic Panic seminar archive.
It is also applied as a gesture of Cursing or infernal benison. Of course, it has been historically utilized as a folkloric tradition accompanying The Evil Eye. ∞
Integretron: Extremely intriguing technomancy on the nature of immortality. This device was 95% finished, when the inventor all of a sudden suffered a fatal heartattack, with all components and plans confiscated! That really sounds like a setup! Sounds like this device may have put the funeral industry out of business! As has been seen with other industries, when a revolutionary invention comes around, they literally pay to keep it off the market! And if the inventor doesn't cooperate, they have even conducted assassinations! Like adding a solution to water for instant gas, replacement for oil, electricity, etc., all buried so that the industries can continue on their inferior technology and continue making money off it! The Edison technique of absconding and/or defamation, lying and cheating! For instance, Edison was a fake and a phony! The true genius is Tesla!
Of course, Vampires and other highly evolved superhumanoid creatures would be all for this technology, as science complements Magic and vice-versa. As a matter of fact, Magic is and has always been the seed of science! But even if science were to not quantify the processes of Sorcery, the paranormal and the supernatural, we continue inevitably utilizing it nonetheless! It is a constant experience!
Cults: It was bit heartening to see that The Church is seemingly no longer considered a mere "cult" by the media, and were not mentioned at all in this presentation. Ergo, to wit, despite misinformation and defamation attempts, Satanism in a full-fledged religion! Of course, xian deathcults like Jones' "people's temple", "heaven's gate", and even "buto" were covered; the latter is more of an expression of The Shadow Side represented in theatrical dance, which one girl apparently couldn't handle. She was seemingly too impressionable and too imbalanced to equalize the expression, so the darkness overwhelmed her unto suicidal death.
Regarding Shatner, it is amusingly ironic that there is actually a "Church of Trek", not to mention that the way trekkies behave is like a veritable "cult". The meetings, costumes, lingo, etc. Plus, I saw him on The Devil's Rain!
The 'Zander' family* bilks the rubes in the psychic biz utilizing Ouija board seance sessions, end up experiencing the real thing when the smallest daughter Doris develops actual multi-level ESP. Unfortunately, the girl is devoid of guidance and is forced to make her own mistakes via trial & error, and it's mostly error.
A dark entity spawned of a "Dr. Devil", obviously based on Jo卐ef Mengele {Angel of Death} comes through the oracle portal to possess the girl and experience her senses, especially the ability to speak. The creature resembles a combination of Dr. Satan {House of 1,000 Corpses}, and Greedo, yet inclusive of a reptilian tail and ridge back. Once inside her, it manifests through facial distortions and additional possessive transference to manipulate their quarry, which includes a priest friend Fr. Tom Hogan, mother Alice, and her sister Lina's boyfriend Mikey.
In one remarkable scene, the clerical acquaintance witnesses her abilities in action to confirm the need for an exorcism. She is clearly an empath, clairvoyant, telepath, as well as demonstrating telekinetic abilities to move the planchette, read and manipulate the thoughts of those participating. It doesn't end well for neither the priest or the older sister's boyfriend, both of whom meet their doom. She also possesses the interesting ability to perceive ghostly presences through the glass of the oracle itself, which does provide for an intriguing experimental suggestion.
It's up to Lina to free her mom and little sister from the grasp of the shadowy specter who at one point peers out from her mouth with a gruesome eyeball. Utilizing the board in such a conducive environment rich with nefarious history raises Hell for all involved. The demon within her enjoys toying with the boyfriend, offering a morbid, descriptive preamble to his suffocating demise, then appealing to his greedy curiosity, leading him to a secret room via the basement. The Victrola plays again as terrible secrets are revealed from within the walls. Thus the sacrifice offered, the creature gains even more materialization.
The tragic tale concludes as it is ultimately Lina's sad responsibility to unfortunately free them of their very flesh. The poor girl ends up in an institution for the rest of her natural life, yet even at the very end, the supernatural makes a familial, familiar visitation.
Rating: 5/5. Better than expected with parapsychological explanations, and Jungian psychological shadow side projections. Familiar fetishistic Catholic School uniforms reminiscent of St. Charles Borromeo.
∞ - ZOSO.
_____________ * Mayhaps influenced by a 'Szandor' nomenclature?
GOODBYE
At first quick glance, one might expect The Bramford of Rosemary's Baby infamy was being flown over upon demon wings, but then it is realized that this is yet another impressive Gothic Dominant Mass building arising stoically into the darkly clouded sky, so named Havenhurst.
If one could imagine an organization like AA punishing drunks for intoxication, or torturing junkies for getting high, all the while being observed on hidden cameras for any sign of an offense, it aptly captures the general plot herein, while a huge goon dishes out the discipline, or "tough love" onto a bloody silver platter complete with viscera, of the offenders who are quite literally turned inside out.
A pretty brunette named Jackie seeks refuge at this deadly rehab center for her alcohol addiction after losing her daughter in a car accident. Signing her lease, she essentially commits her life to this lethal institution, incrementally learning its deadly secrets from its history with the nation's very first serial killer, H. H. Holmes, the plethora of secret hatches which Havenhurst is honeycombed with, escape routes, false walls, and observation holes, all overseen by the mysterious Eleanor who reminds Me of one Dorothea Puente, and her two faithful killer sons Ezra & Jed. One in charge of maintenance, the other of executions, or ridding this veritable murder castle of unpleasant offensive elements. The place is like a maze reminiscent of The 7th Guest, as every darkened hallway, elevator, and room carries its own puzzle, levels of Hell creating one monstrous edifice seeped in blood.
Once in awhile, one must ask oneself if these revenant to-be residents are deserving - and actually in the majority of cases, they certainly are, case in point a rotten couple of lushes mentally and emotionally abusing their daughter Sarah, whereupon it becomes physical, her friend Ezra steps in to terminate the problem, then eventually turns on Jackie when she violates the rules with her compulsive imbibement.
Overall, with shades of Nightmare on The The 13th Floor and tie-ins with the true crime case history of Holmes, even including influences of The Cecil, Havenhurst is sure to chill for claustrophobic, voyeuristic, sanguinous thrills. ∞
DR.STRANGE
After a brutal collision on a mountainous road, likened a Mulholland Drive or those in Turnbull Canyon, mangles the brain surgeon hands of Dr. Stephen Strange, he embarks upon a desperate search to find some unconventional, breakthrough method that can repair them to their former dexterity, which leads him from New York to Nepal, where he eventually meets a mysterious clan of veritable Sorcerers operating within a secret school inside a temple. Upon their eventual acceptance, he learns the spells and incantations, meditations and gesticulations contained within a plethora of grimoires.
His evilution includes the discovery and development of his own latent powers, extensive knowledge of the occult, and the formulation of his own sigil medallion and personal style. A progression of very familiar qualities naturally ascribed.
There is "The Ancient One" {Sorceress who holds more secrets than it seems}, Mordo {a consummate Martial Artist & fellow mystic, akin to a Ninja}, and Wong {unassuming but very capable mystic warrior}. But there is also one to contend against who strayed from the recommended path, so named Kaecilius, who is a Master of The Black Arts.
Much of the practices displayed are based on actual principles of Astral travel, lucid dreaming, visualization and Chi energy projection, as well as extensive sigilization. The overall manipulation of energy and the very matter which comprises multiversal dimensional realities, including teleportation and malleable 'time' fluctuation. Of course, the special effects highly dramatize these more subtle applications, yet it is pleasing to see them addressed nonetheless with the entertaining spectaculars, making it fun as well as recognizable. Realizing from whence these ideas stem adds layers to their appreciation. Also remarkable are the darkly opalescent colorations utilized throughout.
Indeed, among the Dracling's choice comics material, Dr. Strange ranks high amongst them, so to see him granted his own film is gratifying, and remains a relative psychodramatic, imaginative, and aesthetic inspiration.
∞
KONG: Skull Island
Beginning in a WW2 battle between two dogfighting American & Japanese pilots who maintain the confrontation from air onto land, after both crash landing & parachuting onto the hidden island shrouded in mystery and fog, abruptly interrupted by The King thereupon, whereupon the situation immediately turns into a veritable "godfight" as it were, wherein one survives to become a residential part of the island for decades to come.
Predictably, upon arrival and discovery of course, when spotting Kong, whereupon sensibly avoiding the giant anthropoid to regroup and modify plans would have been the obviously better course of action, bad ideas prevail as wasp-like helicopters proceed towards him, merely aggravating until being summarily swatted out from the sky, inspiring the short-lived vengeance & suicide mission of resident Lieutenant Colonel Packard and most of his doomed men, but not after providing a temporary distraction for Kong.
Very Apocalypse Now motif oriented, taking place during the Vietnam conflict era on a likened island {filmed in Hawaii and Vietnam}, from the appearance of the natives to the soldiers, even the helicopters, but without the human on human atrocities, probably due to patron protector KONG. Though somehow the island seems much too small not only for Kong, who actually appears more like Mighty Joe Young, but additional monstrous occupants water buffalo, legions of pterodactyls, a squid, alligator, a spider, and swarms of hellish bipedal dino lizards named Skullcrawlers, who just seem a bit unbalanced; many of which Kong confronts, along with the humanimal, who seem like mere pests in this environment.
Other notable scenes include the aerial dismemberment of one of the group by the pterodactyls.
No beauty & The Beast scenario present here. There really are no personable encounters with the giant ape other than a brief closeup with female journalist Mason Weaver, which gives the film more of a one dimensional effect overall. KONG: Skull Island oversees as more or less an amusing action-adventure monster movie.
The CGI creatures & environments are slowly improving, gaining more detail and flow, yet still not surpassing an animatronic and/or costumed figure. The perfect combination thusfar in My estimation is the De Laurientis film, which delved much deeper into the personalities, psychology, & interactions of both Kong and humans, as well as being much more atmospheric, even placing one within the experience of the characters. [4/5] ∞
A gritty American Southwest flick, The Frontier manages to capture a western outlaw atmosphere in a rustic wind blown environment.
A pretty, mysterious girl named Laine {Jocelin Donahue, House of The Devil} driving across the Arizona desert becomes temporarily employed at a diner to make up for food & lodging. The residents and customers therein are a motley lot, each with their own disturbing secrets, and each sharing a collective one as well. There's Eddie the rebel {a brash leather-clad young man reminiscent of Jim Stark/James Dean}; couple Gloria & Flynn are a british gentleman & a Jayne Mansfield-type girlfriend; Luanne, an eccentric former showgirl {diner owner, glamorous yet quite neurotic}; Lee is a stony bearded professor-like gentleman; & Officer Gault comes and goes, reminding one of a William Shatner character*, who takes a shine to Laine, especially evident in the end. Incidentally, despite a very close call with The Reaper, Laine merges with the unlikely crew of malfeasants awaiting their ill-gotten reward, utilizing venomous trickery to gain her own deadly remuneration.
With various unexpected twists and turns, the dangerous path throughout The Frontier leads to surprise lethal treasures awaiting those with a ruthlessly lawless disposition, where few survive. ∞
_____________ * i.e., Mark Preston of The Devil's Rain, Rack Hansen of Kingdom of The Spiders.
Alana & Gary are a 'soulmate' valley couple in a boomerang relationship, which nomatter where life leads them individually or together, always return to one another - which should not be squandered.
Meeting at school during picture day, he a student and she a photography assistant, she finally agrees to his persistence, go on a date, and the rest is history. From an acting gig together to NY {fell apart due to her willingness to do nude work, especially because he didn't get to admire her yet; unfortunately none for the viewer either!}, then cooperating on a waterbed store {defunct due to oil crisis and a dalliance}, to separate endeavors has her volunteering on an old friend's mayoral campaign {becomes pawn in gay partnership to avoid scandal}, he opening up a pinball store, which proves to be ultimately successful.
Other key scenes include:
> Meeting Barbara Streisand's amped up Kenny Loggins-looking boyfriend when installing a waterbed, eventually waterlogging his place & trashing his car, due to his bullying nature. Coasting the storage truck backwards down a hill after that.
> Alana's rebound guy "Lance" attends "Shabbat" with her staunchly religious family who notifies them that he is an Atheist, severing their relationship. She apparently allows her parent to dictate her choices for her, but should better make her own decisions. After all, they're not dating him! Advise would be appreciated when asked for, but permission is not necessary. She should stay true to herself.
> Alana befriends actor Jack Holden {"Hit 'em again, Sean!", RR} who drunkenly recreates a motorcycle stunt over a blazing fire a-la Evel Knievel, at a local golf course, toppling her from the backseat, wherein a sprinting Gary awaits. Takes place at Tail O'The Cock restaurant & bar. Could have also used The Lamplighter.
Aesthetically, of minor note, sometimes the lines between 60's/70's themes are blurred, and other times, the representations are timeless, like the {19⁶⁶⁶} Batmobile and The Munsters booth at the merchant convention.
Notably, the beautifully poignant dynamic of running together upon successive experiences is indicative of their life journey. [4/5] ∞
Soundtrack July Tree - Nina Simone / Stumblin' In - Chris Norman & Suzi Quatro / Sometimes I'm Happy - Johnny Guarnieri / Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters feat. Vic Schoen & His Orchestra / Blue Sands - Chico Hamilton Quintet feat. Buddy Collette / But You're Mine - Sonny & Cher / My Ding-A-Ling (Live At Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA/1967) - Chuck Berry feat. The Steve Miller Band / Peace Frog - The Doors / Let Me Roll It - Paul McCartney & Wings / Life On Mars? - David Bowie / Slip Away - Clarence Carter / Diamond Girl - Seals and Crofts / Greensleeves - Mason Williams / Barabajagal - Donovan / Softly Whispering I Love You - The Congregation / Licorice Pizza - Jonny Greenwood
[Could have also included [pop] KISS, Black Sabbath, Eagles, Lee Greenwood, Santana, Carpenters, Captain & Tenielle, Anne Murray, Clint Holmes, Debbie Boon, Jim Croce, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Chicago, Boston, Juice Newton, Stevie Nicks, Heart...]
The Catholic Church crumbles beneath its own hypocrisy. Plus the secret sins of the two priests assigned to 'exorcise' ⛧Asmodeus⛧ from a boy recently come to live in a Spanish Castle with his sister and mother.
The slanted biopic features the story based on preeminent exorcist Fr. Gabriele Amorth, and assistant Esquibel, who harbor a plethora of transgressions, exploited by the devil.
Description and location really gives the impression that it is actually Trasmoz, the only place designated by the roman church to preserve witches & warlocks - the utterly damned who cannot be saved, nor wish to be. This is due to the notion of the macrocosm & microcosm. Heaven, world, Hell, dualistically reflected upon the mortal plain as it is ethereally. So if the so-called "holy see" is reflective of 'heaven', Trasmoz is Hell on earth.
For a possession movie, the demon appropriately proves extremely powerful, revealing holy lies left and right, allowing him ingress, and the multiplication of nightmare materialization, according to subject. Thus a shadowmantic dynamic.
Again, the host was set to expire, and thus departed to fresh flesh elsewhere. Despite their efforts, ultimately results in failure as the demonic influence proves too pervasive worldwide. And thus the subsequent increased implementation of exorcism initiatives.
The film is intense, with fantastic effects and great writing, acting. Of note, She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult in the soundtrack. [4/5] ∞
The film begins impressively enough, with an apparently tormented bloody soul inscribed with the number of The Beast convulsing in pangs of agony.
A Priest Exorcist is killed by an apparently {possessed?} terrorist at the vatican, leaving behind 2 sisters Jo & Maddie he raised, now living in the states.
When Maddie begins exhibiting "oppressed" symptoms that at first resemble mental illness, eventually yielding to full-blown possession, Jo snaps into line with the unlikely help of the mexorcist padre 'Marco" {pollo!; "machete" Trejo}, approached in typical xian pedo manner in a cemetery. Maddie goes from indiscriminate alcoholic barslut to criminally insane loon, to the point of being institutionalized.
Eventually, Jo had seen enough of Maddie's condition, and with the help of Marco, decides to aid the local archbishop Norman to exorcise her sister. Most all typical 'symptoms' exhibited. Profanity, blasphemy, demonic countenance, personal attacks, glossolalia, levitation, & regurgitation.
Overall, acting is mediocre at best, wardrobe is actually kind of comical, considering the clerical collars look quite literally sewn on, and the 'Marco' character* seemed completely out of place, even gratuitous, greatly underestimating the gritty action-adventure typically ascribed, which may have made for better religious exploitation fare. [2/5] ∞
_____________ * Like an attempted "Juan Diego" personage.
Three criminal escapees conspire several plans to make that big heist, financed by a mob boss, cavorting with prostitutes they meet in various strip clubs, where each and every one of these misadventures begin and end. With nothing to lose except their freedom, the dreaded three-strikes law drives them forward for a chance to live it up on the outside for life, instead of the inside, if only they succeed. No other option available, otherwise go out the improperly termed, so-called "samurai style".* Basically, to do or die trying, in this case.
The neurotic, psychotic three stooges: There's Troy {Moe}, a nervous, almost Elvis meets Scarface character with a Humphrey Bogart fixation, who is the 'mastermind' of the operation, for what it's worth; "Mad Dog" {Larry} who resembles Metalokalypse's Murderface, a scrawny, former fish-gutting cannery worker turned murderer of a voluptuous girlfriend and daughter, who talks way too much for his own good, as well as being too inappropriately needy; & "Diesel" {Curly}, an absent minded, big bald lug who ultimately proves to be the broken link in the handcuff chain.
After receiving some veritable, and literal street justice by two rampaging officers, the series of calamity capers concludes with a convoluted dream-like sequence attended by the three, whose entire escapade seems more a twisted experiment by an amused kingpin, rather than a benefactor. From mostly stints in Kidnapping while masquerading as cops, to abduct some inner city hood for drug money, to snatch a rival gangster's infant, they plod forth by trial and error, fueled by narcotics and liquor, and an amorphous notion of some proposed lifestyle above the law.
Overall, the film's plot is not so much the title phrase "dog eat dog" as predictable keystone criminals, who are ultimately second-rate thugs brutalizing their way to the grave. ∞
_____________ * Not quite hara kiri or seppuku, but moreso kamikaze.
In regards to the film The Whole Truth, starring Keanu Reeves {Dracula / The Matrix / Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure} as an attorney named Ramsey trying to figure out the psychological disposition, motives, and vindicate his client from the murder of his “father”*, though it may seem somewhat of a ‘spoiler’, refer to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.
So he and his leggy, luscious lawyer lady co-worker Janelle reside in a motel during the trial, transporting himself to and fro upon an unlikely moped – do what must be done, I suppose.
Overall, the victimizer Boone was a despicable sort through and through, an abusive, overbearing and imposing goon, a misdirected masochist to be sure, who most probably did deserve the fate handed him, yet it is still the responsibility of jurisprudence to determine if justice was truly done; and in this case, through a bit of misdirection and bravery on the defendant’s part, a bit of cathartic revenge and boiled-over frustrations combined with outrage did transpire, and so the rotten does not survive to abuse another without consent. ∞
_____________ * The term, title, and position that should be earned and considered an honor, not automatically conferred upon the unworthy.
“Dazed & Confused” is a coming of age movie for one notable teenager who experiences natural carnal awakenings over the course of three heated remmus months, from discarding perfidious virginity to partying all night long, and a prospective Football player who refuses to be rushed, and just wants to spend some time with his loser stoner friends, whose entire existence revolves around marijuana. All taking place in the 70’s, an evocative transportal for those who can appreciate it, from familiar experiences in clothing, automobiles, speech, terminology, mannerisms, architecture and automobiles, to music and hairstyles.
School’s out for remmus, and the senior cretin jocks are out to get the scrubs, or freshmen, for a veritable rite of passage into full herd prominence. A party is thwarted, so it’s off to find another location, where everyone finally congregates to copulate, compete, and ingest large amounts of liquor, nicotine, and various amounts of narcotics in a nest of human and environmental nature. Even KISS makes an appearance in mannequin form!
For those who resonate with retrovolutionary presentations / visualizations, this film is sure to transport the viewer into a most amusing timewarp! ∞
A man with the appropriate name of Dick, loses his wife of decades to cancer, to which he immediately embarks upon a mission to copulate with whatever bimbo will have him, imposing & disrupting his attorney grandson's life and impending wedding for his own selfish ends, in a vulgar, desperate tirade that leads him to Florida for Spring Break.
With exaggerations in personality defects and traits, they meet several unsavory characters along the way, from a ridiculous stoner who runs a gift shop, to two absurd, pandering clownish beach officers who themselves are disrespecting of the law, to a couple of large cretins with attractive wandering girlfriends, one of whom has a senior citizen fetish, taking a liking to Mr. Kelly.
Apparently sadly living a life of quiet desperation, probably resenting his wife all the while, only goes to demonstrate that not everyone is capable of monogamy, nor should be forced to, if dispositions do not match. Of course, live life to the fullest, but with elegantly indulgent epicurean delight, no matter what propensities may be, with honesty with oneself as paramount.
Eventually, after a series of embarrassing misadventures caused by the obnoxious grandfather, Jason finds his true mate in an albeit attractive hippie-like girl reminiscent of a Dharma & Greg dynamic, while his former fiancee' is revealed to be a superficial manipulator. These characterizations make a point that offspring are not necessarily indicative of progenitors, and vice-versa.
I enjoy a good comedy now and then, but this presentation is a gratuitous spectacle produced for simplistic herd of their de-evolutionary antics at a low, peasantly level of humor, devoid of any artistic sensibility of the genre, or real redeeming feature, produced only for mere cheap laughs to separate stupes from their sheckles, since they obviously don't know any better than to accept whatever cud is fed them by disappointing slumming actors, then most likely act idiotically in kind.
JUNE is dedicated to The Devil to become something great, but is interrupted from her incredible destiny by commoners, determined to make her a generic normie like themselves. As a result, she suffers guilt complexes and confusion, lacking structure and direction. Thus, her abilities rage uncontrolled, threatening to become squandered. Let's suppose that somewhere down the line she gets another opportunity for another empowerment / dedication ritual. [4/5]
The HOLLOW CHILD: There's something in the forest... Essentially a film about changelings / doppelgangers, demonic creatures resembling goblins replacing children in families they have lured into the woods. These can be seen as protectors of Nature preserving the natural order by depleting destructive organisms. A troubled fostered teenager becomes an obstacle. [4/5] ∞
RASPUTIN: Russia's Own Antichrist: Details the rise and influence of The Mad Monk on Russia. Seen as a savior to some, mystic, and devil to others. Said that he could kill a horse as a child, escaped his village to avoid punishment for horse theft, started a sexcult, joined The Khlysty, which is a veritable sexcult in itself, spentime flagellating himself in the woods to experience masochistic suffering, spentime in a monastery like a monk, then eventually made his way to meet the Romanovs and heal their ailing son, which granted him a position of prominence.
Night Gallery/Cool Air: Henry Darrow / Enrique Tomás Delgado {Uncle Pancho!} plays cultured Spaniard Dr. Juan Muñoz in this splendid adaptation of HP Lovecraft's Cool Air. Regaling his love interest with knowledge & stories of adventures and artistry deep into the night within his refrigerated room, until it malfunctions one fateful night wherein he sadly reverts to his "corruptible mortal state". Notable inspirational statements about conquering death with The WILL!
SCREAM GREATS 2 / Satanism & Witchcraft
* Parapsychology, Occult, & Horror: A rare Hans Holzer interview, The Warrens & museum, horror prop master & makeup artist Tom Savini, with generous spotlights on Rosemary's Baby, The Omen series, Exorcist, etc.
* Satanism: Features footage from Satanis, wherein LaVey speaks about Satanism himself, & a Satanic ritual ceremony is always thrilling to watch. This one features a veritable Baptismal / Dedication rite.
* weaka: A weakan love spell; interview with NY-based Magickal Childe occult shoppe proprietor Herman Slater with serpent friend, & performance of a ceremony with cauldron.
Haunted Places: A paranormal documentary anthology on several ghostories across America. Hosted by Christopher Lewis, with segment commentary by parapsychologist Dr. Barry Taff.
* Myrtle Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana: Haunted by a little girl who choked to death while on a staircase, and 2 murdered sisters. A séance is held therein using an improvised ouija board comprised of a cork and glass bowl.
* Civil war ghost hunting: Several amateurs attempt to acquire film and EVP's at a civil war cemetery.
* Extramarital sincubus?: Ozzie Nelson haunts his house and has even been known to take certain liberties with guests!
* Ohio steamer: Captain Mary Becker Greene haunts the Delta Queen steamboat. The first female steamboat driver.
* Ghosts of early American settlers haunt a small Victorian town called "Rugby" in [east] Tennessee.
* Thomas Gilfrey haunts his own home in Oklahoma [west of Tulsa] watching over his art collection. A current docent recounts haunting events.
Superstitions - Unlucky 13
* From the Apollo 13 lunar mission which experienced a slew of malfunctions {amidst the Black Pope's nativity observation}.
* The omission of the 13th floor in office buildings.
* Witch covens consisting of 13 with The Devil as the 13th, the 13 lunar months, etc.
* KNIGHTS OF SATAN: Strangely no mention of The Knights Templar's associations, viz-a-viz The successful Death Curse on Pope Clement & King Phillip. The Templars were so-called "catholics" in name only, while heralding Satan as Baphomet, and accumulating their own riches, power, & influence.
* The 13 Club: A group of gentlemen who gather every Friday the 13th to enact superstitions, including walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, and walking a path where a black cat had crossed.
* Surrealist artist Ray Johnson commits suicide on Friday the 13th, whose synchronous path all correlates with the number throughout.
The Witch Hunt: The sad story of the Catholic Church murdering their own peasants as they argued amongst themselves. The Satanic Panic of the era. Suffice it to say, that NO REAL WITCHES were ever accused or killed, neither in Europe or Salem!
MYTHICAL MONSTERS: Presents the origins of Dragons, griffins, werewolves, vampires. Relates the story of a hermit persecuted by local peasants for allegedly being a werewolf spotted cannibalizing a baby - the wolf seemed to have similar characteristics to the hermit, so being that the stuporstitious peasants seemed to already have it in for him, decided to torture him.
MONSTERS & MYSTERIES: Cryptids, sasquatch, the lochness monster {among other 'lake monsters', and aquatic behemoths like like kraken}, werewolves {discusses The Beast of Bray Road}, mothman, devil dogs, dine in a remarkably impartial, scientific method conducive of serious exploration and study. Had a refreshing air of Art Bell-like discussion.
LEGENDARY LOCATIONS [Truth or Consequences]: A trip to Houska castle to explore the legend of there being a Gate to Hell therein, with the castle built over it. With inspiring infernal initiative, the nazis went there to experiment and allegedly performed Satanic rituals to harness its power. Shown were pleasing displays of robed figures, Baphomet, candles, and a ramskull, backed with a nazi flag!
Also a trip to Indonesia to a town overrun with monkeys, featuring the legend of a monkey god taking on a demon.
HISTORY'S MYSTERIES [Superstitions]: Recounts many of the foundations of the intriguing superstitions practiced today. I cover the subject in DRACOMEROTH within Superstition vs. Stuporstition, and the difference between being controlled by those traditions, and otherwise using them for one's psychodramatic benefit, preserving and enhancing The Magical Mindset with perspective.
America's Mysterious Places [Mysteries of America's Haunted Sights]: 1. Salem, Massachusetts: Features a marriage ceremony {holding a pentacle patent aloft, then descending it earthward}, an interview, and a love spell.
2. Tombstone, Arizona: Relates the oldwest legends of Geronimo, Cochise, and gunslingers. A visit to "Boot Hill", and an area with the name "skeleton" in it regarding a deadly pass where merchants were killed traveling up from mexico, and an area where natives ambushed many paleface.
3. Coral Castle, Florida: A visit to Edward Lee Skullman's place said t be built for his sweet 16 love who never came. The wonder is in how did a diminutive man of his physical stature managed to transport and carve massive tons heavy coral rock into so many intriguing shapes - I saw pure ingenuity! There must have been magnetism involved, as well as chemical reactions when water is applied, making them slippery, as well as molding into shapes, sort of like a sponge. Of particular note, the video for song Sweet Sixteen by Billy Idol was filmed there.
BOB LARSON [The Six Strongholds of SATAN]: Larson coaxes mental illness from audience members to exploit for entertainment purposes. The so-called strongholds of Satan are essentially comprised of elements of the seven deadly sins, natural instincts to be indulged in responsibly and used for motivation.
He præys on a deaf-mute woman {maybe retarded, who ends dancing on stage}, and a cute chubby blonde lady possessed by "anger", who doesn't seem too enthusiastic about being hugged after the "depossession".
NINTH GATE: A really fantastic film about a book dealer named Corso who's employed by a would-be Sorcerer to compare copies of the same grimoire to divulge which is the correct one for a ritual of The Ninth Gate. Unfortunately, he apparently received an incorrect one or some such, as he momentarily achieves omnipotence, but makes a mistake when setting himself on fire. The point of this very Apotheosis-style rite is to achieve absolute Power, but when he turns against himself and lights himself on fire, he negates the purpose in self-glorification for self-immolation!
While it seems that this girl who's been following Corso may be an angel at first, then perhaps a witch upon spotting a tattoo of a silver serpent to signify being a member of a Coven, then finally revealed she in fact the Whore of Babylon {Lilith? So she's an incubus!} riding The Beast {Corso?}, whereupon he is able to traverse into the 9th Gate! Whereupon a dimension opens within the castle he just departed!
Notable scenes include making love to a cultist brunette, then the beautiful 'whore', who disrobes to mount Corso bare breasted; the book itself is splendid in its Satanic woven pentagram countenance; the ceremony held at the estate with congregants attired in hellegant black silk robes and large pentagram medallions. ∞
WITCHCRAFT '70: Great footage and subject all around! Nudity abounds! Besides the obvious amazing Church of Satan segment, the British Witchcraft {some gorgeous subjects therein! Both The Black Mass and Pagan rites}, Haitian & Brazilian Voodoo, and American Hippie ceremonies were compelling spectacles in videographic documentation! I also did note that SATAN is appropriately credited in all practices! ∞
EXORCIST III: Fr. Karras is possessed by a demon and resides in a mental asylum. Incarcerated after becoming a serial killer named "Gemini". George C. Scott plays an investigator set to challenge the demon, but fails in the end by killing Karras in the cell. So being that the host has become unfit, the demon goes forth to possess someone else. ∞
Phantom of The Paradise: A Rock Opera in the style of The Phantom of The Opera. This came out a year prior to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Features "Winslow" who makes a deal with The Devil. His mask is a hellmet that looks like an owl's face, but with eyes reminiscent of the Baphomet sigil. Christine Daae' is named "Phoenix", and primarily sings rock ballads.
Some of the performances are entertaining such as the macabre bands that emerge amidst a morbid stage environment resembling schauerfilm presentations with elongated angles, trapezoids, endless hallways, precarious stairs, with some traditional Horror and Halloween motif elements. ∞
HELLFEST: This was actually a pretty good movie, mixing suspense, evocative aesthetics, and a bit of slasher as well. A real killer dressed in mask and hood pursuing a girl through a Halloween amusement park and spookhouse! He utilizes a knife at first, then an axe found in the HELL section, and even some of the props! Like a guillotine for her friend! A rather Michael Meyers vein Halloween dynamic... but not too badly done.
This got Me thinking that to Me, SATAN & HORROR are synonymous. Just add erotica and Gothic aesthetics for perfection. HELLOWEEN, Keep the EVIL in DEVIL, et al. And so it is. ∞
OUIJA: Featuring two pretty girls with a fascination for the board, then paranormal events begin occurring. Overall, the movie seems a rather vapid presentation made for vapid teens with otherwise common concerns. While the herd seek mere boring "normalcy" and generic existence, devoid of imagination in favor of the prescribed programming of 'the system', common society, etc., some have always been the ever strong so-called "psycho", "weirdo", "freak", etc., SATANIST, and I love it that way! However, I do like the idea of looking through the planchette to detect supernatural activity in the room! ∞
Secret of Skinwalker Ranch [H]: An interesting case I find very intriguing, about the paranormal occurrences happening on this ranchland. From skinwalkers {lyanthropes}, cryptids, UFO's, mysterious lights, cattle mutilations, energy fluctuations. The land was Cursed by Navajos, which began the train of events, intensified by nascent tuleric energy, directed by Will. The conductive materials within the land itself also contributes to to the manifestations and enervation.
The thought occurred of what is superstition? I wrote a chapter on the subject in DRACOMEROTH, as the term being different from 'Stuporsition', that is to say being controlled by it, rather than utilizing it or one's benefit, in enriching traditions and psychodrama which complements The Magical Mindset and overall Sorcery materialization. It is important to know the occult processes within and without in nature {parapsychology & metaphysics}; So while we practice, direct, and embody, these types of 'investigators' just seek to record or understand, being fascinated muggles in what we do. It is an amusing spectacle, but to our kind it is known.
Of note, the secret headquarters at base's system is called SATAN {acronym}. ∞
THE BOY: Much of it was entirely relatable, except for the part of him coming through the wall! That seemed a bit gratuitous. I think the film should have been kept entirely on a psychological level. But other than that, those 20 minutes or so, the film is aesthetically splendid, the story personally relevant, and the ending was a pleasant one after all, what with Brahms being fixed up, and cared for. Also pleasing to know that there will soon be a BOY 2! Looks intriguing, and the more the better! ∞
What Are Friends For: Details the coming of age dynamics of a young witch discovering herself, following curiosity to gain empowerment and control of her life and desires. An outcast, considered odd and weird by other common kids, her parents are divorced, which seems to be the intended psychological dynamic to assert that this may be why she is exploring The Occult. Although if he truly is a born witch, the discovery and evilution will continue wherever she is!
This is the source of the scene Sgt. Emon used in the Inside Edition Satan Sleuth video for his 'occult seminars'! ∞
TED: Actually a pretty funny and charming film. "Ted" is like a party animal likened a Bobcat Goldthwait type, like a stoner who sleeps on the couch. Started out like a charming little bear brought to life by a boy's wish upon a star, then essentially becomes a reflection of him, like his Id.
I really got a kick out of Sam Jones {Flash Gordon} being in it as another party animal, and the transformation of the asianeighbor as Ming! The personalized veritable Satanic Wedding at the end wherein an entire theme is selected with elements pertinent to The Self, and Jones presiding as minister! Also think he would make for a fantastic role as Huell Howser!
Then there are the ringtones! Hers The Imperial Marche and his the Knight Rider theme! Looking forwards to watching TED 2! Hail Ming! ∞
The Greatest Show On Earth: Most of the circus samples from Speak of The Devil came from scenes in this film! A circle struggles to keep the show going nomatter the cost! Buttons the Clown turns out to be a doctor on the run for killing people before joining the circus. He saves the conductor's {Charlton Heston} life after a trainwreck leaves them in a shambles, but they recover to put on a parade nonetheless! ∞
Heathers: A darkly romantic tale reminiscent of a pseudo-Gothic Bonnie & Clyde, about a misanthropic duo of highschool students picking off deserving jocks and bunnies made to look like suicides. The male protagonist is obviously based on the characterization of Jack Nicholson. Punishment due on those brutes and bitches! ∞
National Geographic TABOO {Secret Passions/Satan Worshippers}: Necrotic Taxidermy Artist and companion demonstrate eviliving as Satanists in the suburbs, and conduct a Curse ritual on a deserving sacrifice {victim stole for heroin}. Theft & incompetence seem to be a problem in those parts, so there must be safeguards against stupidity! Another Dead wastrel! Good riddance! Hail Victory! Hail Justice! HAIL SATAN!
A note: Satanists are not "Satan worshippers". Satanists do not "worship" The Devil, but identify with & acknowledge the Satanic aesthetic, archetype and stimulating psychological construct through psychodrama to manifest emotional energy for Magical manifestation in accordance with The Will, and is a motivational force. Oneself IS The Devil, God, everything emanates from The Self. Parapsychologically, Thoughtforms can be created and channeled as well. ∞
An irreverent presentation like a combination of Laugh-In & a free-for-all comedy, jesting at many stereotypes in the process, which intelligent persons scoff at or are amused by, while those of lesser quality embody, which tends to be the majority, even taking cues from, and otherwise naturally display.
After seeking to rid himself from exasperating virginity, a pusillanimous night school teacher is impregnated by a rowdy psychotic, misandrist mental case woman. Seems to speak to the day's enmasculated 'feminism' {2 sides of the same coin, ergo, 'misogyny'}. Ironically, this allows him to date a pretty student named "Segoynia", wherein she subsequently takes him to meet her copious gypsy family. Fortune-teller Grandmother divulges his unique condition through a clairvoyant technique, banishing him with the malocchio at first, but eventually grow to support him upon displaying his love for Segoynia.
Becoming pregnant in the spring, he would eventually conceive around Winter Solstice, as the comparison to the pathetic nazarene is made, even around a filthy manger.* This takes him around the world as a freak show. The ending scene adds an even more blasphemous sentiment.
The title refers to the defunct medical practice of injecting a hare with a woman's urine to determine a negative or positive pregnancy result. If it died, it was positive. Ergo, the confirming anachronism "the rabbit died."
The film features a remarkable cast comprised of Billy Crystal, Roddy McDowall {Peter Vincent, Fright Night}, Joan Prather {"Segoynia"; The Devil's Rain, lovely Julie Preston}, Imogene Coca {eccentric Aunt Jenny; Brady Bunch}, Paul Lynde {hellarious Uncle Arthur, Bewitched}, Alice Ghostly {Cousin Alice, Bewitched}, Billy Barty {Legend, Willow, Masters of The Universe, CHiPs} Alex Rocco {Godfather}, Doris Roberts, Michael Keaton {Batman}, Jimmy "Dynomite!" Walker {Umbutu}, Rosey Grier {taxi driver; The Thing With Two Heads, CHiPs}; directed & written by Joan Rivers with Ray Redack. Rivers also appears as a fumbling nurse. [5/5] ∞
_____________ * Even though the mythological character would have hypothetically been born around early Autumn.
A Karate xmas Miracle: An attractive, business lady / wife doesn't seem to know if her husband is actually dead or alive and missing. He apparently went missing during a mass shooting, by a killer clown. She dreams of a villainous character named "Sam" {none other than Kreese!; Martin Kove} in a questionable repartee'.
Psychic Lady trying to forget her past as a professional psychic turned law teacher because she just wanted to do something 'happy' like working with 'kids'. Meanwhile talks about murder, crime, all day to said so-called college "kids". Talked into it by wife who doesn't really believe her anyway, despite putting her through a stressful battery of 'tests' to prove she is psychic. Lady ends up filling in the gaps, finding out some interesting facts about herself along the way. Regularly consults fermented 'spirits'.
Her son "Jesse" absurdly believes he can somehow autodidactically earn a black belt in the week leading up to xmas, in order to summon his missing father from wherever he may be. Wears a plethora of colored gis.* However, the explanation of the belt color meanings is of value. Varies with dojo and style, but basically coincides with flora & fauna growth & elements, thusly paraphrased:
WHITE − The birth of a new light is indicated by white. In karate it usually depicts for a person who starts to learn karate keeping in mind about the different challenges that he is going to face.
YELLOW − The first ray of sunlight. In karate its meaning is that now the student’s mind is open to accept more possible techniques and methods.
ORANGE − An indication of spreading light on the earth. So it shows how the student is expanding their knowledge in the field.
GREEN − Depicts the penetration of stems and roots of the plant to receive sunlight. In turn this means the student is developing new skills and learning new techniques to master the game.
BLUE − The plant is growing up towards the sky which is blue in color. That means student is going deeper to understand each move in karate and differentiating each to gain more knowledge.
PURPLE − Indicates the student is very serious about acquiring new belts that is coming across next.
BROWN − Shows the plant is full grown and ready for harvesting. Similarly in karate it indicates that the student has gained adequate knowledge about the skills and is now ready for combat.
RED − Signifies depth of knowledge that a student possesses, and ability to give others successful direction.
BLACK − Every glowing object has a dark shadow behind it, and that is what this color is all about. This belt shows that the person wearing it has mastered all the skills and he poses a great ability within him to enlighten others with his knowledge.
Father inexplicably appears, with little to no rhyme or reason, ergo, the "miracle". Understandably a "kid movie" seeking simplicity perhaps, but ends in under-estimation. Overall, lackluster acting, amateurish, convoluted plot. Great idea that could have gone further. [2/5] ∞
_____________
* Of note, in order to select a proper dojo, the more traditional the better. Attend a couple lessons first to familiarize yourself with the instructor's methods. Chances are that if he/she speaks with an accent, the closer to authentic teaching. Beware of some money mill "academies" of little to no substance.Jingle All The Way
Arnie plays a dad determined to acquire a Turbo Man figure for his son at all costs, despite the fact that it is unavailable in high demand, like CPK's during the riots. Cabbages actually appear in the parade later on.
He was unfortunately distracted by his business dealings, arriving too late at his son's Karate testing day for a purple belt. Seems he misses many events. But now realizes that he has to make it up to him. 1st by acquiring a Turboman figure, then attending the parade. His wife looks like Maria Shriver.
Along his quest, a pest comes along getting in the way at every turn, creating an obstacle and making a nuisance of himself. At one point even claiming racism as a crutch when Langston just wants to go on his way to fulfil his mission.
He also has several amusing encounters with a cop who keeps getting compromised. From getting his motorbike knocked over, to dealing with a bomb, to getting pastries dumped all over his uniform.
The annoying Endecott neighbor 'Ted' is a opportunistic douchebag who even makes moves on his wife, like he's trying to replace him in his family. At one point during depression, he drinks with a reindeer.
While hunting the figure at the mall, a Santa & elf team of grifters offer to get him the figure, but at a ridiculously elevated cost. Turns out these figures are foreign versions*. Upon calling them on their criminal degeneracy, erupts into a fight where Arnie tosses them around until meeting a mutant Santa, which he ends up managing as well, and utilizing a bit of psychological manipulation, leading the cops into believing he's an agent staking the operation for months.
Subsequently gets drafted into the role of Turboman in a parade, while Myron assumes villain Dementor {a cool costume with his evil ingenious brain encased in a dome, originally played wickedly by Martin Moll}, battling for possession of the figure, the grand prize to be finally given to his son, who ends up giving it away to Myron when he realizes Turboman is being portrayed by his dad.
Overall amusing, and touching when he proves his love for his boy. [5/5] ∞
_____________ * He should have replaced one of those under Ted's tree!
A candid documentary with The Austrian Oak. A tale of a multiplicitous personality following his bliss and led by The Will to succeed to fulfill his self-made destiny.
ATHLETE: Indigenous origins, sparks in ACI inspirations, becoming like as the icons ruminated upon. Forming plans into motion, moving forth into resonant situations. Nascent competition victories as stepping stones into greater prominence. Moving to US unto California. Gold's Gym participation, Weider sponsorship, taking Bodybuilding to the next level. Art and elevated sportsmanship.
ACTOR: Logical next step evolution. Pumping Iron documentary, Stay Hungry, Hercules in New York {premier as Arnold Strong}. Eventual more pervasive roles, through to CONAN, Terminator, and beyond. Ingress into the Action-Adventure, science-fiction, and comedy genres. All except Horror as of yet.
AMERICAN: Steps into the world of Politics, becomes The "Governator", exhibits genuine anthropic abilities, creating techniques and methods advancing several issues like environmental conservation, health programs, the cooperation of Republican & Democratic relations to meet mutual resolutions.
Includes many interviews with bodybuilders, actors, and Politicians who have been influenced by his path. Some psychological revelations into the underpinnings, attitudes, and motivations of various personal spectacles, including PI & even nuptial relationships. Many amusing anecdotes shared in each field, rarely seen photographs, family and friends relations.
Overall, From Rising and making a name for himself, overcoming seeming obstacles {which actually served him in the end}, excelling in all categories strived for, and forming new precedents, sit by the fire as ARNOLD regales the viewer amidst the rich fumigation of fine cigars. [5/5] ∞
The series begins in the aftermath of KK2, with a grizzled Johnny Lawrence down and out in Reseda. An estranged father living in an apartment thereabouts, taking odd jobs where he can, along with a steady stream of Coors. But it's not until after he saves a boy from bullies outside a liquor store, calling upon his nascent karate training, that he starts to remember who he is. Sensei, Rocker, badass.
Gary & Leslie are a couple of paranormal investigators who travel to an island off the coast of Massachusetts to research an ill-reputed Hotel haunted by a Witch. They also happen to be a couple. He the patient pent-up fiancée and she a sexually frustrated virgin, believe it or not.
1845 ce. Introductory scene taken from 
Combining hellements of The Omen, Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist, Poltergeist, Ghostbusters, even The Devil's Rain, a sexy mom who just so happens to have had a brief, albeit crucial encounter with a cult, bears The Antichrist hellion who kills just about every stepfather one way or another, he ever had, except for well-meaning Gary who honestly seeks to understand and build a genuine rapport with littlevil Lucas, which actually eventually works. Problem is, the cult seek to sacrifice Lucas to open The Gates of Hell and bring forth Armageddon. So together with his buddies from a parenting therapy group, endeavor to rescue Lucas from this unmercyful fate.
Parapsychological thriller. The film begins with footage from the 1st Satanic 
A group of highschool friends lounge at a family lake house, where the legend of a "satanic ritual" in the nearby woods is recounted, wherein a girl mysteriously disappeared. Prompted by a petty comment by twit "Wally Stoney", Abby Rivers & Gretchen Lang foolheartedly decide to investigate the story, arriving at an abandoned house. Within, they discover a cyclops tree creature {perhaps more of an Altar} with a demonic eye. Upon running out, Abby is prevented from leaving by an unseen force, while Gretchen thought she was behind her. Returning to look for her with the others, she is discovered in shock and resentment, and is not the same since.
When a girl named 'Cady' loses her parents in a snowplow accident, she's adopted by her roboticist aunt Gemma who works for a toy company. She becomes the unwitting guinapig for AI to human interaction. The anatomical & intellectual fabrications, assimilations, are thorough enough to present a convincing personality and ersatz companion for the grieving, confused girl, that she takes to it completely, essentially becoming more a 'sister' than toy appliance.
The Orphan "Leena" escapes from an institution for the criminally insane to an orphanage. Then roves from wealthy family to wealthy family pretending she's a little girl, while her perpetual youthful condition aids her in these endeavors. Always falls for the husband, eventually gets rid of the wife, eventually replacing her, mostimes killing any 'siblings' as well. Though this strapping sibling "Gunnar" happens to be trained in fencing and the crossbow.
Despite how it is depicted on the ads, and the scars on his back, Cain is not an angel nor ever was. For those who don't know, he was the 1st murderer in the bible, who killed his brother Abel. For such, was condemned to roam the earth forever as the first erstwhile 'vampire'. He lives forever having to eat living meat from "sinners". At first, he had a medical student 'supplier' who provided him with fresh flesh, but when he's harassed, other more direct alternatives are necessary.
Whereupon finding grimoire-like pages containing 
On the verge of breakup and even receiving a heckler, ABYSSINISTER features Katon on vocals, Ivan on guitar, Devin on bass, & Baphomet on drums; decide to make a Hell of an effort or bust. So when an opportunity presents itself to record at a studio free of charge, they jump at the chance! So the band take their girlfriends to the styx to record.
This characterization portrays Peewee Herman in more of a naturally salacious sense with a libido, as he hungrily pursues girlfriend Winnie during their daily picnic featuring delicious eggsalad sandwiches! Then the circus comes to town which is ill-received by local curmudgeons.
Peewee develops wanderlust working in a diner after receiving a visit by "Joe" from New York who inspires him to travel and enjoy life more. It is about time for another adventure since broadway, and being that his band just broke up, he takes his little car and heads out cross-country to attend his new friend's birthday party.
Stats. Couple with 2 children inherit a house, rumored to be haunted, contains a Book of Evil, both coveted by a couple of vampires {who would have normally purchased the property, except that now they have to get around this generic couple's "inheritance", whom are sadly unappreciative and oblivious of all the hellegant decorations and spooktacular activities & hellements therein}.
possessed hand follows an attractive American lady to the states after her husband Mark {marked!} traverses into a subterranean Satanic chamber, also sealing several of his workers inside {despite their reticence, and steer clear of the accursed grounds}, steals an artifact {Hand of Doom, invoking a veritable Brody Curse!}, indwelling several along the way, including the husband {burned to death, buried and reanimated as a rotting corpse}, a cop {has a surgeon remove it, he dies}, the surgeon {chopped off by a train}, finally attaching itself to a catholic priest* in his own church, who amusingly proceeds to destroy his own sanctuary in a pointless effort to rid himself of the demonic hand, even impaling and torching his own wrist, but which will not stop until it gains The Devil's due! Which it does!
The plot calls to mind The 
The 'Zander' family* bilks the rubes in the psychic biz utilizing Ouija board seance sessions, end up experiencing the real thing when the smallest daughter Doris develops actual multi-level ESP. Unfortunately, the girl is devoid of guidance and is forced to make her own mistakes via trial & error, and it's mostly error.
At first quick glance, one might expect The Bramford of 
