Monday, January 31, 2011

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Buried (2010)

Director: Rodrigo Cortés

Writer: Chris Sparling

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, José Luis García Pérez and Robert Paterson

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462758/

 Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is an American civilian truck driver in Iraq delivering supplies. His convoy gets attacked and he wakes up in a coffin buried alive. This is the premise of the film.

 This movie was pretty amazing. I wanted to see this when it came out, but I have not been able to until now. It never came to the theater in Oklahoma. Say what you want, but I've been a fan of Ryan Reynolds a long time. In spite of Van Wilder, that boy can act. I love the whole idea of this film, the low budget and not having any locations. When I told my buddies about 'Buried', their reply was, "Oh, so it's like 'Phone Booth'". After watching it... no... it's nothing like Phone Booth. 'Buried' is much more claustrophobic and terrifying.

 This film, 90 minutes in length, never leaves this coffin. Paul is trapped with nothing but a cell phone and a lighter. Trying to contact his the U.S. Government, the company he works for, his wife. Anything to help him get out. This film starts off slow but the intensity levels rise to extremes and leave you at the edge of you're seat waiting to find out what's going to happen. This seemed real. Ryan Reynolds portrayed it how I would imagine it if I were in the box.

 The only problems I really have are these: 1. They used Ryan Reynolds. I mean, he's good. Damn good in this film, but it's still a recognizable face, which makes it a little difficult to totally lose myself in the film. 2. The rental DVD has absolutely no features whatsoever. Not even a little 5 minute featurette or a commentary track. Nothing. Pretty fucking lame.

Verdict: * * * *

- Xtoph

Friday, January 21, 2011

A taste of what's to come...

I'm working up my reviews for the latest issue of Darkfaery Subculture Magazine and I thought I give a taste of what's coming for it... Hope you enjoy...

- Xtoph

Social Distortion - Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes by Epitaph Records

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Please add "Nightmare Alley" to your Netflix queue

A Re-post from our friends at Nightmare Alley:

We need over 1000 people to add "Nightmare Alley" to their Netflix queue before Netflix will pick up the movie! Please add us, rate the movie so we know how many have added it, and invite your friends! Your help is hugely appreciated!

Even if you own or have seen the movie, please add us to your queue as well! You can remove it once they actually pick up the movie and it would be an enormous help in getting "Nightmare Alley" out... there!
CLICK AND SAVE:
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Nightmare-Alley/70144844?trkid=226872

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Dungeonmaster (1984)

a.k.a. Ragewar

Directed by: Dave Allen, Charles Band, John Carl Buechler, Steven Ford, Peter Manoogian, Ted Nicolaou and Roasemarie Turko

Written by: Charles Band, Allen Actor, Rosemarie Turko, John Carl Buechler, Dave Allen, Jeffrey Byron, Peter Manoogian and Ted Nicolaou

Starring: Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll and Leslie Wing

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089060/


 Paul Bradford (Jeffrey Byron) is your every day run-of-the-mill computer nerd with a super computer that speaks to him. (Only in the 80's, right?) He's in love with his girlfriend (Leslie Wing) and wants to get married. Mestema (Richard Moll) is a very bored centuries old wizard looking for a good fight. He kidnaps Paul's girlfriend and challenges him to a battle of magic. Paul must complete 7 tasks to win back his woman.

 You gotta love the low-budget 80's flicks. Seven battles, means seven writers and directors each doing their own part to the anthology. What we have is something reminiscent of Sinbad's seventh voyage and Beastmaster in the modern world, pitting science vs. the occult. Only, Paul's just not as bad-ass as Sinbad or as likable as Dar. The directing ain't that great, and you can tell it's been pieced together. What I do love is Richard Moll. He is always the perfect cartoon villain. When I was a kid I couldn't look at him and not see Bull from Night Court, but he really pulls these roles off well. If you go in not expecting much but wanting to have a good time and a laugh then check this out. And if everything I mentioned wasn't enough...  Charles Band's segment "Heavy Metal" puts Paul up against none other than Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P.!!!

Verdict: * * *

- Xtoph

Monday, January 17, 2011

Coming Soon - H-P Presents: They Came From The Grave

 Coming soon from Horror-Punks.com: They Came from the Grave Vol.1 Featuring videos and trailers from the members of Horror-Punks.com with videos from: Mongrel-Others-Dragnun-Under a Nightmare-The Murdersquad t.o.-Dead United-Chef Brandon Perry-Spawn Atomic-Dr. Spookenstein-ZOMBIE!-The Spectremen-Ghost of Penely Chase-Werevilsdare-The Cloister Fuck-Fear Incorporated-Christophe-Pussing Eye Productions-Derek Young (Family Property)-The Quintessentials-Creep Creepersin (Creepersin, Creepersin Films)-The Monistats-Nightmare Alley-Six Gun Salvation-Lurking Corpses-Lugosi's Morphine-Batsupsidedown-Von Bones. Background Music "Bride of Frankenrock" by Batsupsidedown

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Game Review: Zombies!!! The Director's Cut

Twilight Creations
http://www.twilightcreationsinc.com/
Tile Based Strategy Board Game
2-6 Players

Zombies!!! is a fun fast past (once you get the rules down, it's only four pages) tile based boardgame. You basically have to get to the helipad and escape the zombie apocalypse, or if you can't put the helipad in play get 25 zombie kills. Sounds simple right. Wrong. The other players are constantly screwing you over by attacking you with zombies or surrounding you with zombies. If that wasn't bad enough they also take away your bullets, you get three to start, and take away zombie kills. Not to mention the taking away of weapons and items in play. On the bright side there are lots of bullets and hearts in buildings and such. Play goes as follows: draw an event card if you have less than three, three is a reoccurring theme in this game, and draw and lay down a tile. Move. Fighting zombies along the way. Then zombie movement, kill the other players. Discard event cards if you want. Next players turn. Now you use bullets to modify attack rolls, you must get a 4 or better. Your hearts represent damage, when you can't modify a roll or don't want to you take away hearts. So go on out and get this game. You'll have lots of fun. Just watch out for the zombies!!! By the way, if you get bored you can get expansions for the game that add new types of zombies (including zombie dogs), more tiles, and add on or alternate scenarios.

Verdict: * * * * *

John (B)D

You're Gonna Miss Me (2005) DVD

Director: Keven McAlester

Starring: Byron Coley, 13th Floor Elevators and Evelyn Erickson

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0791268/

 You're Gonna Miss Me is about one of the unsung heroes of Rock'n'Roll, Roky Erickson. The most amazing voice of our time. This man was a founding member of the first psychedelic rock band, The 13th Floor Elevators, and did a lot of early punk and horror-rock influencing... everyone. This film is about him and his struggles. Drug abuse, schizophrenia and poor health. It shows how he has risen above all this to keep bringing us this amazing music to this day.

 This is on the Netflix "Watch Instantly", but I suggest buying or renting the DVD so you can check out all of the awesome bonus features. There is a ton of live footage there too!

Verdict: * * * * *

- Xtoph

Wicked Little Things (2006) DVD

Director: J.S. Cardone

Starring: Lori Heuring, Scout Taylor-Compton and Chloe Moretz

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470000/

 Wicked Little Things is about a recently widowed woman and her two daughters. She was left kind of broke with only an old home inherited from her husbands family. The home is on land next to an old mine where a bunch of children died. Needless to say the ghosts of the dead children are not happy with the hand they've been delt. Not the most original of the bunch, but still well written and filmed. I enjoyed this one.

 This was originally in the After Dark line... One of the cool things about it is that it gives us an early look at two awesome talents in the genre Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie's Halloweens) and Chloe Moretz (Let Me In & Kick-Ass). Currently it's in the Netflix "Watch Instantly" so stop by and check it out!

Verdict: * * *

- Xtoph

Wolverine Classic Vol. 1 - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 This collects the first five issues of Wolverine's own series. Written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by John Buscema, whose artwork fits the gritty style that should grace any Wolverine tale. This takes place in Japan, everyone thinks Wolverine is dead and he's going by the name "Patch". Jessica Drew (Spider-woman) comes to town with the Black Blade, a evil sword that has the power to possess. Silver Samurai shows up to take the sword and Logan is there when it all goes down, ends p getting the sword and getting possessed by it.

- Xtoph

White Lightning - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 Any movie with Burt Reynolds running booze is good. This one caught me off guard. This is real, not no comedy. Starts off with Burt in prison. His brother gets murdered by some small town sheriff (Ned Beatty). He decides he needs to get revenge. He cuts a deal with the state to bring in moonshiners so he can get out early. This has all the fast cars and fast women you'd expect, but this one's got a darker tone. This is a must have film in my collection.

- Xtoph

Wednesday 13 "Bloodwork" - CD - Angled Doors Review

Wednesday 13 returned this year with his long awaited new album "Skeletons". AT the same time he also released an EP of some extra material that he felt didn't quite fit in with the rest of the album. We're treated to 6 songs. The first two are what you wold expect form the horror maestro. "B-Movie Babylon" & "Return of the Living Dead". Then we get a cover of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers "Running Down a Dream" and a new rendition of "I Love To Say Fuck". The real gems on this EP are the last two tracks... acoustic renderings of "My Demise" & "Skeletons" re-named "My Demise B.C." & "Skeletons A.D.". These two tracks are worth the purchase price alone.

- Xtoph

The Watchmen - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 The Watchmen is one of the greatest comics ever written. I've owned this well over a decade and I still re-read it about every year. Now with a new movie about to be released I have to pull it out again. Beautifully drawn and well written. I've picked up something new every time I've read it. I highly recommend getting this and reading it before the film. I pray they don't ruin it like they did Alan Moore's last comic turned to film, V For Vendetta. But just in case buy the book and read it first. Basic plot on this is it's a real world with super-heroes and costumed crime fighters. The American people don't like this. Not knowing who they are. They watch us, but who watches them? The government starts a new act to unmask all of them. (similar to the mutant registration act from X-Men) This is just a fraction of the whole story. It all delves much deeper than this. Do yourself a favor and check out this book.

- Xtoph

Unrest - DVD - Angled Doors Reviews

 One of After Dark Horror Fest's 8 films to die for, Unrest, is a pretty suspenseful little horror/thriller. Very well written and directed it follows a young med student as she starts her gross anatomy class. She gets some weird vibes from her cadaver and wants to know more about her... then people that have come in contact with the cadaver start dropping off. Pretty cool movie and not what you've come to expect from most horror films. Worth checking out.

- Xtoph

Turok - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Reviews

 I've been a big fan of Turok Dinosaur Hunter for a long time now. I grew up on the comics. I've played a few of the video game versions of this franchise but never really liked them. That has changed. This version has a good story, great voice actors, good graphics. Enjoyable game-play. It's easy to control your character and the game isn't too simple or too hard to get through. Lots of cool weapons to choose from. You can load up with the big firepower or you can sneak up and cut someone's throat. Lots of dinosaurs. If your not careful they will get you, but you can also lure them in to attack your enemies. The coolest part of the game is the on-line function. Lots of maps and several game styles to choose from. You can play with up to 16 people at once. It's like Halo with dinosaurs thrown in the mix. Also, you can purchase more maps through X-Box live for only 400 Microsoft points.

- Xtoph

Transylvania Twist - DVD - Angled Doors Reviews

 An 80's classic. If you liked films like Transylvania 6-500 or My Best Friend Is A Vampire then you'll dig this movie. Tongue in cheek from the start with lots of nods to classic horror and pop culture in general. Horror fanatics will enjoy Angus Scrimm's small role. Plus this dvd has scenes that were cut from the original video release.

- Xtoph

The Hamiltons - DVD - Angled Doors Reviews

 One of After Dark Horror Fest's 8 films to die for. Ok. There is so much I want to say about The Hamiltons, but there is so much I can't say because I DON'T want to give it away. So I'll just leave you with this. It's about a bunch of kids whose parents died, the oldest takes charge of the clan and tries to keep them together the best he can. That's all I'm going to tell you. This is the best horror film I have seen in a very long time. So far it is my favorite from the "After Dark" series. You need to see this film!

- Xtoph

The Club - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 Not much of a plot or any story on this one, but that doesn't matter. It's a lot of fun gameplay. Basically you are a member of the club. A bunch of rich pricks with guns that want to hunt something that can hunt back. You get to choose form a handful of characters, all of which have different stats and play a little differently. You go through a bunch of levels and have different types of gameplay. All a lot of fun, but the real fun is, as always, the online play. Up to 15 real time opponents. Plus if you don't have online access you can play with up to four of your buddies in a split screen mode. Worth checking out.

- Xtoph

Spider-Man Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt - TPB - Angled Doors Review

I remember getting this in the single issues when it first came out. This is what re-newed my interest in Spider-man. No longer a kiddie story. This has great personal narrative told through the 3 main characters of the storyline, Spider-man, Kraven & Vermin. This is a much darker story than you are used to for Spidey, comparative to maybe The Dark Knight Returns. Kraven hunts down Spidey, poisons him and buries him alive. The two weeks he is in the grave, Kraven takes on his identity. Meanwhile, Vermin has come up from the sewers to feast on human prey. This is a must have in anyone's collection. It's been almost 20 years now since I read it and I still find it as gripping today as I did when I was a kid.

- Xtoph

Semi-Pro: Unrated - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 Another Will Ferrell vehicle. Wasn't the best, but like any Will Ferrell movie it's still a lot of fun. In this one he is some disco one hit wonder that bought a basketball team with his royalties. He's the teams owner/coach/team-member. The team is making no money at all, they are fixing to have to shut down. The NBA is going to pick up a couple of the minor league teams, but Jackie (Will Ferrell) has to get people into the stadium and prove his team is worth picking up. So he does a bunch of silly antics to pull in a crowd. That pretty much sums up the movie. Doesn't sound worth watching, but Will Ferrell always makes movies like that. Remember Elf? Freaking hilarious. So yeah. Worth getting.

- Xtoph

Scene It? - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 Our family was always a fan of the board game scene it. We are movie addicts. I picked up Scene it for the X-box 360 to give it a try. Hit it off even more than the board game. It's great. It comes with 4 big button controllers that are laid out so easy that even my mother can play with us. Plus, I can play single player when no one else is around. One of the great things is if you have a gamer profile set up on your X-box for everyone. Nobody will get the same question twice... even when they pick up to play a few weeks later. The X-box will remember what all questions everyone has received.  This game is a hit!

- Xtoph

The Sasquatch Gang - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 Also known as The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang. This flick was made by the same people that made Napoleon Dynamite. You can tell... all the characters act just like the people in Napoleon. It's nuts. The guy from Jeepers Creepers is gonna lose his car, so he fakes Bigfoot footprints... and a Bigfoot turd, so he can sell things on the net to make some money. That's the basic plot, but not really at all what this movie is about. If you liked Napoleon you'll dig this one too. Josh Heder has a cameo too.

- Xtoph

The Punisher: Up Is Down And Black Is White - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 This collects issues 19-24 of The Punisher form the Marvel MAX line. This is what I love about Marvel MAX. It's not for some characters... but for some, like the Punisher, there is no other way. None of this watered down pussy shit. No Thomas Jane wanna-bes. This is the real deal. Blood, boobs and gore. In this series, expertly written by Garth Ennis, mob boss wanna-be Nicolas Cavella digs up Frank Castle's (The Punisher) families graves and pisses all over the corpses. He video's the whole thing and sends it to the media. Of course Frank totally goes over the edge then and starts killing every criminal in town.

- Xtoph

The Pulse: Secret War - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 Issues 6-9 of The Pulse. Jessica Jones and Luke Cage head home and it's blown up by a mysterious mutant. Cage is so bad he's in a coma and the hospital can't do anything because of his unbreakable skin. Nick Fury shows up, things get weird, they disappear with Cage and Jessica can't find him. Then we find out Fury did something real jacked up and is under fire. That's a taste of what's going on in these issues. A lot of action and intrigue. Check it out.

- Xtoph

Pulse: Thin Air - TPB - Angled Doors Review

The Pulse picks up where the series "Alias" ended. This collects the first 5 issues. Jessica Jones just found out she's pregnant with Luke Cage's baby. J. Jonah Jameson has just started a new section of the paper called "The Pulse", which is sort of a pro-hero tabloid. One of the Daily Bugles reporters gets murdered by Osborn, (The Green Goblin) and it ends with Osborn getting outed to the public as to who he really is. This is a pretty good story a a decent follow-up to "Alias". The only downfall was going from the no comics code MAX line to the censored regular line. Brian Michael Bendis wrote it though, and he always seems to turn in some great scripts. I recommend picking up "Alias" (Available in 4 volumes) first and then going into the Pulse. Works better continuity-wise and you'll be filled in on a lot of things.

- Xtoph

Plastic Man: Rubber Bandits Vol. 2 - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 Kyle Baker brings us this series of crazy antics that would only come from Plastic Man. Dude is wacked. Basically, The Time Trapper is messing around with time and some lady busts in on Plas' and his girlfriend claiming to be his wife and has a shapeshifting kid. The DC continuity is getting all messed up and some how President Lincoln ends up in the picture. He ends up being Booth disguised as Lincoln. They take Booth back in time to kill Lincoln to save the future that hasn't happened. Booth dies. Plas' and Woozy decide they have to kill Lincoln themselves. More craziness. It's just non-stop. Later on, a vampire story. This book is out there, but a lot of fun.

- Xtoph

Pigeons From Hell - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 To start out... this is not a straight up adaptation of the Robert E. Howard story, but don't let that turn you away. This mini-series is a continuation of sorts of the source material. Taking place in modern times we begin meeting the descendants of the plantation owners. Just received the house and land in an inheritance. A good way to start. The story telling was great. Intelligent writing and superb artwork that fit well with the dark content. If your a Robert E. Howard fan or just love a good scare tale then pick this up. The collected edition will be out in January 2009.

- Xtoph

Penny Dreadful - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 One of After Dark Horror Fest's 8 films to die for. Penny Dreadful is about a girl who survived a bad car wreck. It leaves her real jacked up and she won't even get in a car, let alone drive. Her doctor (Mimi Rogers) decides to take her on a road trip to overcome her fears. Big mistake. Shit gets all fucked up. She's trapped inside this car and... well... just watch the movie. Along the way we also get to see small roles by Mickey Jones (A biker in 100 movies and member of The First Edition) and Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes).

- Xtoph

P2 - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 This chick is working late on Christmas Eve. She gets locked in the parking garage by the creepy bag guy from American Beauty. He's been obsessing for her for a long time and instead of asking her for a date decides to kidnap and terrorize her. It's not really for the horror fanatic, but for the average movie goer it's a good thriller. A couple good shots in it though. My mom watched this one based on my review and called me up and said "Never Again!!! It was so gory!!! I don't know how I made it to the end!". But, it's not really that gory at all. Just one scene. one.

- Xtoph

Osaka Popstar And The American Legends Of Punk - CD - Angled Doors Review

 Osaka Popstar & The American Legends of Punk are kinds of a pop-punk supergroup. This band sounds nothing like any of their original bands, but is comprised of Punk Legends. Fronted by John Cafiero (Vox on Misfits "NY Ranger" and "Project 1950". Director of Insane Clown Posse's Big Money Hustlas) with Dez Cadena (Black Flag), Ivan Julian (Richard Hell & The Voidoids), Marky Ramone (The Ramones) & Jerry Only (The Misfits). This project is a lot poppier than any of their previous bands, but its still really good. There are a lot of covers on this album, but they are really fun. If your an anime fan you'll love the covers of the theme songs for "Astro Boy" and my favorite off the album "Sailor Moon". They throw in a couple Voidoid songs and also a punked up cover of "Man of Constant Sorrow", an early American folk standard dating back to 1913, but most recently known for the bluegrass version from the film "Oh Brother, Where Art Though?". This album ain't deep, but it is a lot of fun and you'll find it in your player a lot more than you'd expect.

 - Xtoph

Ninja Gaiden 2 - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 I'll admit, at first I was disappointed with this game. I was hoping for some on-line interaction with my friends. I can compare my scores with them on the leaderboards... but I know I'll always be last. However compared to the last Ninja Gaiden game I played for the regular X-box this has stepped up in leaps. Graphics are amazing. The gameplay has improved greatly. I can control my character so much easier. Lots of weapons for me to choose from. I can customize my character form battle to battle. Choosing what weapons to use and I have the ability to buy upgrades at various points through-out the game. I love this game because, while the game play is difficult, it's not too difficult. I remember on the last one I was never able to defeat the first boss. Lame. It
does have some cool X-Box live features too. Customize your Ninja with different costume packs for only 200 microsoft points each and all new mission modes for 800 microsoft points. This game was definitely worth my purchase.

 - Xtoph

Munchies - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 Munchies is another classic 80's horror/comedy no one should miss. This is the b-movie Gremlins wanna-be. Charlie Stratton (Summer Camp Nightmare), who looks a lot like Fright Night's William Ragsdale, and his father find a creature they think is an alien. They take it home and it gets kidnapped by the films villain (Harvey Korman, Caroll Burnett show and 5 million other things). The thing multiplies (Gremlins?) and Charlie and his girlfriend (Nadine Ven der Velde from Critters) chase them around the rest of the movie with hilarious b-movie antics abound. They even go so far as to have a scene where someone is looking at a National Enquirer type rag with "Gremlin?" as the headline followed by the Munchies speeding down the street in their stolen car... which happens to be a Gremlin.

- Xtoph

Marvel Zombies - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 Taking place in an alternate universe, a zombie plague has hit the planet earth infecting everyone, even our mightiest heroes. After being turned into zombies our heroes ravaged the earth eating everyone. This takes place when our zombie heroes are searching the earth any remaining life... to eat. The hunt down Magneto, then devour the Silver Surfer and in the process gain some of his powers... then take on the mighty Galactus. This series is very tongue in cheek. Some great artwork and a humorous storyline. As a bonus all the covers are included in here, which are zombie versions of some of Marvel's classic covers like Amazing Fantasy #15 & Fantastic Four #1, just to name a couple.

- Xtoph

Marvel Ultimate Alliance - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 Marvel Ultimate Alliance is probably the coolest all ages game I have played on the 360. It's not too dark and gritty for my nephews like a lot of my super-hero stuff is, but it's also not too "kiddie" for me to enjoy, like some of the super-hero games I've played have been. The gameplay and graphics in this are reminiscent of the arcades I played growing up. I'm totally digging it. You can choose your own team from a bunch of different Marvel characters. Unlock new characters as you play or purchase some from the Live Marketplace. Each character has four different costumes. Like the Hulk for example, you can play The Hulk with the purple pants, Hulk from issue 1, Planet Hulk, or my personal favorite... Joe Fixit. That's when Hulk was grey, wore a suit and tie and worked in Vegas. Each character has several versions, which in turn can make them other characters. (ie: Iron Man, War Machine) This also has online gameplay, which I have not got to check out yet, but apparently you can go through the entire mission with your buddies. There are several versions of this game. The Regular Edition, the Forza 2 dual pack (This one is the regular edition and Forza 2, a race car game) and then the Gold Edition which has some of the bonus characters you can purchase on live for the regular edition already programmed in.

- Xtoph

Civil War: Front Line Vol. 2 - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 Collecting Civil War: Front Line #7-11. Just like with the other Civil War books, this has a lot going on. Speedball is brought out from prison and gets shot in the gut. After losing his powers he has no way to deflect it. There is a traitor on the pro-registration side. Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, is released form jail and takes on some Atlanteans, nearly causing a war. Some searching by Ben and Peter Parker finds out that Iron Man knew about things before they were happening and was playing with the stock market in anticipation of events. Speedball finally decides to sign the registration, and in development of his new powers burns his old costume and becomes Penance. Yeah... and more... check it out.

- Xtoph

Civil War - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 Collecting Civil War #1-7. This is THE Marvel Comics event! It starts off with Speedball and the New Warriors busting a house of super villains for their reality tv show. In the process a school gets blown up killing a ton of little kids. The American public turns on ALL super powered individuals. Johnny Storm gets beaten to near death outside a club. The government decides to put "heroes" in check. Their start a "Super Hero Registration Act" requiring all super powered people to register or be viewed as a criminal. Who do they get to head this up? Iron Man. He gets Spider-man on his side and Spidey reveals his identity in a press conference. Captain America goes rogue and heads up an underground resistance with the help of Nick Fury. Geez... so much is going on in this book I can't even list it all. This is a MUST READ for any Marvel Universe fan!

- Xtoph

Lost Boys 2: The Tribe - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 If your looking for a direct sequel to the original Lost Boys, this isn't it. It picks up many years later in a new town with some annoying surfer vamps. Cool cameo in the beginning with Tom Savini though. About half an hour into the movie we finally get introduced to Edgar Frog (Corey Feldman) , the only returning character. What happened to his brother? It only hints at first. (In the bonus features we find out he's a vamp) It's basically the same old story. Kids move to new town, hang out with vamps and get turned. Try to fight it and kill the head vampire so they can be normal again. Edgar comes in shows them some comics and saves the day. The real story that we wanted to see starts at the end. Sam (Corey Haim) returns and he's a vamp. Him and Edgar battle it out... but we only get to see the very beginning of the fight, then it's more credits. Can't wait for part three!

- Xtoph

Edd Byrnes "Kookie: Star of '77 Sunset Strip" - CD - Angled Doors Review

 Originally released in 1959 as a novelty record to coincide with Edd Byrnes popularity on the show "77 Sunset Strip" ('58-'63). This is a rockin' album. It's no wonder this was re-released on cd in 2001. Most of our generation won't know who Edd Byrnes is, which is sad. Go ask your parents, or grandparents. My generation might remember back in the day on the show "Married With Children" Edd appeared on an episode with metal band Anthrax doing a cover of the hit single from this album "Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)". Anyway, this album is a good time. It shouldn't fall through the cracks to be forgotten.

- Xtoph


Kenny & Co. - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 Classic film about childhood. It's a good fun family film by director Don Coscarelli. (Phantasm) This is a fun movie dealing with a lot of things. If you grew up in the 70's or 80's this will have you heading on a trip of nostalgia. Most of the cast from Phantasm was also in this film. It was the Halloween night segment of the movie that made Coscarelli decide he wanted to do a horror film.

- Xtoph

Jayne Mansfield "Too Hot To Handle" - CD - Angled Doors Review

 Jayne was the hottest thing to come out of Hollywood in the 50's and 60's. A lot of comparisons fell between her and Marilyn, but Jayne was always the one for me. This cd has her singing (also a lot like Monroe) a few hits from some of her films like "Too Hot To Handle" (Album's title track) and "Heimweh Nach St Pauli". German has never sounded so sexy. This compilation also includes an interview and a segment from the Jack Benny Show. 12 tracks in all. Definitely worth checking out.

- Xtoph

Howard The Duck: Media Duckling - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 The downside to this is it's not by Steve Gerber. It's still an enjoyable read though. Collecting the latest 4-issue series of Howard The Duck. Taking a stab at the media and reality tee-vee. If you love Howard, this is for you. If you hate the media, this is for you. If you got money burning a hole in your pocket, then this is for you. Go buy it now.

- Xtoph

House Of M - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 This is one of those annoying crossovers that fuck up the entire universe. Well, this time the Scarlet Witch has completely lost her marbles and she decides to re-make the world. It is now a world of mutants. Everyone has forgotten the past except for Wolverine and a little girl. Turns out the little girl is a mutant that can spark the memories of everyone. So they get a handful of the X-men and the Avengers together to put a stop to it. I really hate these things because they mess up everything and they are to expensive to buy all the issues to complete... BUT it is a really good read (written by Brian Michael Bendis) and the collected editions make it affordable.

- Xtoph

Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay picks up where the original (Go to White Castle) left off. Harold decides he can't wait the ten days for the love of his life to get back from Amsterdam, so they pack up and head off to the airport. Kumar sneaks weed onto the plane gets mistaken for a terrorist (they think his bong is a bomb) and that's when the adventure begins. This time around they get shipped off to a prison, escape and deal with inbred rednecks, Ku Klux Klan and more as they are on the run. I don't want to give any of it away, but there are plenty of laughs to go around from start to finish.

- Xtoph

Goosebumps: Creepy Creatures - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 I was never a fan of Goosebumps when it first came out. It wasn't until recently I started to groove on R.L. Stine. I ran across this the other day and decided to check it out. It's three Stine stories in comic book format. First we have "The Werewolf Of Fever Swamp" illustrated by Gabriel Hernandez. (Clive Barker's The Thief Of Always comic) After I started this story I was hooked. Second was "The Scarecrow Walks At Midnight" by Greg Ruth. (Matrix comics) The artwork in this made me feel like I was reading one of my old Creepy or Eerie magazines. Finally the book closed with "The Abominable Snowman Of Pasadena" by Scott Morse. This is where my interest waned. His artwork was too "cartoony" and I just couldn't get into it. But for the price of the book it was well worth it just for the first two stories.

- Xtoph

Gears Of War - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 This is probably the most addictive game I've played for the X-box 360. Great graphics. All the characters look bad-ass. Wicked looking bad guys. Game control is good. I like some of the abilities available that other shooters don't have. It was a tough game to beat, but it was a fun challenge that I had to keep going back too 'til I was done. Has online gameplay too.

- Xtoph

Green Arrow: Road To Jericho - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 This collects issues 66-75 of Green Arrow. Pretty good run in which we get to see Ollie (Green Arrow) change his tactics. He gets trained by the guy who trained Deathstroke, runs for Mayor of Star City and gets hooked back up with Dinah. (The Black Canary) He teams up with Batman to fight The Red Hood who happens to be Jason Todd. (The Robin that was brutally murdered by the Joker) In the closing we get to see Ollie propose to Dinah. Good series. There were some gaps in time where I would have liked some more story, but it's a good read.

- Xtoph

Green Arrow: The Archer's Quest - TPB - Angled Doors Reviews

 This collects issues 16-21 of Green Arrow. This follows Ollie (Green Arrow) and Roy (Arsenal/Speedy) as they travel around picking up some personal effects of Ollie's that we're lost after he died. We find out he had asked Shade to find everything when he died, but Shade sub-contracted Cat-man to do some of the work. Throughout the story we get to see him bash on Cat-man a couple times (If anyone ever needed it, wasn't it Cat-man?), take out Solomon Grundy, almost ask the Black Canary to marry him and we find out his darkest secret. Expertly written by Brad Meltzer, this is one of my favorite Green Arrow tales. There are also a few bonuses. A cover gallery, sketchbook gallery and one of the original scripts.

- Xtoph

Green Arrow: Sounds Of Violence - TPB - Angled Doors Reviews

 This collects issues 11-15 of Green Arrow, continuing the run written by Kevin Smith. (Clerks) There's a lot of good stuff in this. It starts off with Mia dreaming about being the next Speedy. Then Ollie (Green Arrow) has his first date since his return with the Black Canary... which gets interrupted by the Riddler, then ends with Ollie duking it out with The Hawkman. Later Ollie's son Conner, the other Green Arrow, get's shot while they are out on patrol...

- Xtoph

Green Arrow: Quiver - TPB - Angled Doors Reviews

 This collects issues 1-10 of Green Arrow written by Kevin Smith. (Clerks) I just re-read this for the first time since they came out. Still stands up. If you've seen any of Kevin's movies you know he has a great knack for dialogue. Although it's only 10 issues, it feels like we're getting more. There is so much story. Ollie (G.A.) returns, after being dead for over a decade. Everything has changed, but the thing is... he is still the same. Turns out he was brought back the way he was pre-crisis, pre-eclipso, pre-any universe altering events that have happened in the DCU for a while. To top things off, he has no soul. If you are an old-school Green Arrow fan, as I am, you will love this... but even if you're not it's a great read. Lot's of appearances by other favorite DC characters. All the old Justice League and more.

- Xtoph

The Elm Street Group "Freddy's Greatest Hits" - Cassette - Angled Doors Reviews

Freddy's Greatest Hits

 Released in the 80's as a novelty item, this rare album is actually a lot of fun. If your into 80's synth pop, pop culture or just a horror buff that want's to complete your collection then this album is a must have. Nine tracks in all. It has a few originals and a few covers. "Wooly Bully", "In The Midnight Hour" & "All I Have To Do Is Dream" are all re-done in that classic 80's pop sound, but with Freddy Krueger voice-overs. Plus the originals like "Do The Freddy", "Don't Sleep", "Down In The Boiler Room" and more. Still waiting on this one to be re-released!

- Xtoph

Lords Of Dogtown - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 This flick is about the start of skate boarding as we know it. Written by Stacy Peralta it chronicles the early days and rise to stardom of Stacy, Tony Alva and the rest of the Z-boys. From the interviews I've read with people like Jay Adams it's not completely factual, but that's understandable when your trying to make a PG-13 film out of a XXX life. There's cameos by everyone in this film to, which is cool. The most surprising performance was Heath Ledger as Skip, the head of the Zephyr team. I've seen this movie 6 times and I just now recognized him... I guess he's a better actor than I always thought. I also really dig the film stock they used making this. It's got that 70's feel to it, so you really believe it's taking place in the era. This dvd has the basic extras. After seeing both versions I recommend picking up the unrated version.

- Xtoph

Devil's Trade - Short Film - Angled Doors Reviews

 http://www.fearnet.com/shows/devils_trade/index.html

 Devil's Trade is a well made short film you can watch for free on Fear Net. This kid buys a cursed cross made from a hanging tree. Weird things start to happen to him and his sister, so they try to find the source. Only about a half hour long, but better than most "horror" tv shows.

- Xtoph

Devil May Cry 4: Collector's Edition - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 Cocky anime characters with big guns and bad-ass swords. This entry in the series brings a new character, Nero. A lot like Dante, but the cool thing about this character is his "Devil Bringer" arm. Fan's of Dante need not worry though. You get to play as both characters throughout the game. This collector's edition came in a "steelbook" metal case with a bonus dvd that included a "making of" documentary and a few other extras, plus a copy of ADV Film's Devil May Cry: The Animated Series Disc 1 on DVD. This has the first 4 episodes of the awesome anime series.

- Xtoph


Dead of Night - TPB - Angled Doors Review

 I've always been a huge fan of the Marvel horror titles. Man-Thing being one of my favorites. This series has Digger acting as a crypt-keeper sort of character re-telling the origin of the muck monster known as Man-Thing. If you dig horror comics or swampy backwoods terror tales than this is the book for you. Creeptastic artwork and a nice storyline. You don't want to miss it.

- Xtoph

Dark Ride - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 One of After Dark Horror Fest's 8 films to die for. Dark Ride is a great slasher flick. That's all you need to know. A murder happens on a carnival horror ride and gets shut down. Years later it opens back up, a group of kids show up and get knocked off... but there's a little more to the story than just that. Stars Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Campfire Tales with David Johanson & The Misfits, and some show called The Sopranos) & Jennifer Tisdale. (Ted Bundy & The Hillside Strangler) This is one I'm gonna watch again and again.

- Xtoph

Daredevil: Yellow - TPB - Angled Doors Review

This is a re-telling of the early days of the Daredevil when he still had that gaudy yellow and red costume... but let me tell you, the artwork in this book makes him look so awesome with that costume. It's a more personal tale than usual. Matt Murdock (The Daredevil) is writing a letter to Karen, the girl he loved, to help him get over her. She's dead. He talks about his beginnings, him and his dad. His father's death. Becoming the Daredevil, and then on to when he first met her. It's a pretty awesome book. I recommend picking this one up.

- Xtoph

Daredevil: Director's Cut - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 It's been a while since I watched the theatrical cut of this film, but I did notice a few things. It's got a few longer sequences and some added ones. I don't remember Coolio being on the first one at all, but there is a lot of him in this one. There is a lot more development of Matt Murdock as a character, as opposed to his alter-ego the Daredevil. The movie is still just ok. Not as awesome as a Daredevil movie should be, but I'd take the Director's Cut over the theatrical version. There was a lot more in the film to make it worthwhile.

- Xtoph

Convoy - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 I'm sure you remember the classic song by CW McCall, well this is the movie. Kris Kristofferson plays the Rubber Duck. Him and some trucker buddies get fucked with by some small town cop and they get in their trucks and head for the border. The cops chase them and more and more truckers join up starting the huge convoy. That's the basic plot. Great film. Another must have.

- Xtoph

Condemned: Criminal Origins - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 This is the creepiest game I have ever played. I loved it. It's got the right blend of eerie music and settings... It's kind of like if the movie Se7en was a game. This game has a great blend of action and puzzle solving. You play as FBI agent Ethan Thomas, who hunts down serial killers. This time around, there is a serial killer who targets serial killers. A lot of fun and pretty addictive. Worth checking out.

- Xtoph

Conan - X-Box 360 Game - Angled Doors Review

 Robert E. Howard's classic character brought to life for you to control. Similar to God Of War, but it's Conan. Lot's of weapons and you can buy moves and upgrade your character. But most importantly: Blood, Boobs and Gore. That's what makes it Conan. Dig it.

- Xtoph

Comic Book The Movie - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 This is a mockumentary about a comic book that is being turned into a movie. Mark Hamill stars and directs. It's a fun little indie film that takes a look at the comic book culture and takes place at a comic-con. There are lots of cool cameos and interviews by the likes of Hugh Hefner, Stan Lee, Kevin Smith, Bruce Campbell and many more. There are a lot of very cool bonus features to check out too... "Behind The Voices" featurette that has a lot of the people who do some of the coolest cartoon character voices. Extended interviews with Bruce Campbell and Kevin Smith. Deleted Scenes, Bloopers and more. Comic fans and cartoon fans should definitely check this out.

- Xtoph

Cloverfield - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 If you managed to miss the hype, Cloverfield is about a giant Godzilla sized monster coming to New York. What's different is how it is presented. It's given to us as footage found by the U.S. Dept. of Defense. Some guy was having a going away party, His friends were recording it to give him to watch while he's away. So what we have is that footage found by the army and packed into evidence. The movie is just the tape. Friends are filming at the party when the monster strikes and they decide to keep rolling throughout the night to document the entire event. The dvd is packed with the usual bonus features. "Making Of" documentary, deleted scenes, alternate endings and such.

- Xtoph

Boy Eats Girl - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 When I first saw this video cover at the store I was completely turned off. Not another crappy zombie horror/comedy flick. I finally gave in and watched it and was pleasantly surprised. Although they did not stray from familiar territory it was actually a good film. It looked nice and professional. The actors were believable when they delivered their lines. There was a bit of substance to the plot. I've just been forced a lot of crap lately, especially in the zombie sub-genre. All in all this is a good movie though. One I'd watch again.

- Xtoph

National Lampoon's Bagboy - DVD - Angled Doors Review

 National Lampoon movies seem to be out every other week now. No longer are the days when you were guaranteed a laughfest when you see the logo on the box. I still find myself guilty picking one up from the rental store every few visits hopeing for some good mindless entertainment. Bagboy delivers. Filled with the sheer stupidity you expect form a National Lampoon film, but also delivered with an actual story. One you enjoy watching and waiting to see what happens next. Revolving around grocery store bagging competitions, a has-been bagger is coaching a new young bagger. Sounds lame... but it's actually pretty cool.

- Xtoph
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...