Dead Rising 3 (Review)

I’ve been having so much fun with Dead Rising 3! Not only is it a great looking next-gen game, It’s a fantastic addition to the DR series. So many things have been fixed. You pretty much always have access to any of the badass combo weapons if you are near a safe zone. You can now always have a magazine selected on you all times and pick which one you want to use for whenever. 

Xbox Glass is a great addition! Doing a mission where you need 5 food items? Just jump on your smart phone or tablet and select “food markets” and it will set a waypoint right to your game. You can even call in airstrikes…on your phone!

Hated all of Oti’s calls in the first game? Now your partner calls your actual phone or tablet (you can even set your wallpaper and ringtone) and he leaves voice mails so you can take them and do side quests on your time. 

Not to mention the slew of new frightening Psychopaths to fight! Ridiculous outfits! A ton of new weapon combo cards! Oh and now you can  COMBINING VEHICLES to mow down miles of the undead! (Yes, some do deploy 10ft long chainsaw blades out the sides with just the tap of a trigger button)

I think it’s safe to say this ones staying in the system for a while. 

4½ Bones from The Horror Guy

Halloween Horror Nights 23 (Review)

So Halloween Horror Nights 23 is now officiously over and the reviews are in from David Harley and myself. Here is a look at some of our favs!

Evil Dead - A house devoted to the 2013 remake of Sam Raimi’s classic splatter film! Evil Dead pits you inside the cabin where the necronomicon is read and all hell has broken loose. The gore effects in this house stand out like no others. We get some great video effects on the walls as the words are spoken from the book. We are then transported into some of the goriest scenes of the film including Mia puking on her friend, face cutting, meat tenderizing and so much more! You also go down into the basement to see what has happened in the dank and dark depths of the daunting cabin. As I did not really care for the 2013 remake...The house does a great job of capturing the films essence for all the fans out there. Universal tackled this house as the goriest house on property, and it definitely delivers! They even pull off the only scene I really dug from this film with beautiful raining red colors. (Keenan)

The Cabin in the Woods - It didn’t take long for HHN to snag this one up. In fact once the film was released, Universal was immediately in contact with Lionsgate and Drew Goddard to make one of the (if not THE) best horror film of 2012. When this was the first house announced this year I was ecstatic! Cabin delivers on so many levels! (*rimshot*) You walk through the Cabin, fight through the Redneck Torture Family, and go down into in the elevator following the events right to when the release button is hit! Universal did not skimp on scares here with some of the best masks and lookalikes I have seen in years. Although there was one “aquatic creature” effect I hoped would have been pulled off better. The cube level alone will make you shout in terror! There are also some classic HHN winks in this house. See if you can find them if you dare visit ‘The Cabin in the Woods.’ (Keenan) 

The Walking Dead: The Undead Streets - When The Walking Dead was announced as the theme for this year, fans were a bit sceptical since Universal Orlando had a Walking Dead themed house the year prior. A lot of folks figured Universal was putting all their undead limbs into one basket. After more was explained about how the streets would flow, fans started to let up. The streets this year go through the seasons of AMC’s undead television horror/drama. You are walking through the streets of Atlanta way after the walker outbreak where season one takes place. There are banners hanging around reading “Dead Inside”, the tank Rick runs to for shelter is also in the road, even the famous ‘bike girl’ is around to say hello! You then travel out of the first season and into season two where you walk through Hershel’s barn on fire. All you can smell is burning flesh as walkers nip at your heels. I love these small additions to the streets. They are almost fun mini houses! Central Park is turned into the woods where you find dales Camper and our heroes camp site. Into the streets of Hollywood is season three where the famous buildings are transformed into Woodbury during it’s final hours of the season. Walker traps are scattered about the streets with rotting corpses stuck to them begging for a taste of flesh. There is even a crazed group of survivors driving a truck full of walkers around and releasing them among the living. One thing I really enjoyed about this year’s streets were the walker feeding stations. For instance, in the woods there was a dead deer on a rock with Daryl’s arrows sticking out of him and walkers would be perched on the deer tearing it apart. In the streets of Atlanta, humans are nabbed up and taken away and torn apart on sand bag stations. There is some great interaction this year, as opposed to just having walkers shamble around. WE GET TO SEE THEM FEED!!! (Keenan) 

Resident Evil: Escape from Raccoon City - Universal Studios Japan went all out earlier this year with a Resident Evil attraction/game/maze which equipped guests with a light gun and contamination meter before letting them loose in Raccoon City to fight hordes of the infected. Universal Orlando hasn’t quite gone to those lengths but in working closely with Capcom, they’ve done a really good job of recreating the feel of Resident Evil 2 and 3, right down to the color palates, medicinal herbs, and save room. Hunters, Lickers, and even Nemesis make an appearance, along with a few protagonists. The maze itself is just too short, though, and that’s where it sort of falls apart. The designers managed to cram a lot of cool stuff in every room, but due to its length, it feels cramped almost to the point of visual overload in some areas. (David) 

An American Werewolf in London - Universal has been in talks with John Landis for years, trying to get him on board with an HHN attraction and, seriously, bless the person who got the ball rolling because the final product is one of the most intricate and accomplished houses they’ve put together in the event’s twenty-three years of existence. Starting off on the doorstep of the Slaughtered Lamb, the maze takes you through the film’s highlights before ending up in the alleys of Piccadilly Circus. The rooms feature some great detail, including See You Next Wednesday posters and a Mickey Mouse toy, but what sets the AWIL house apart are the werewolf puppets. PUPPETS! I was in awe of how fluid their movements are and how fantastic they look. For me, this was definitely the highlight of the evening. (David) 

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure - Bill and Ted’s annual Halloween soiree is always something I dread. Every year, the duo run down a laundry list of pop culture events and personalities from the previous year with only the broadest of strokes and that is the show’s biggest downfall. Everything is expected: they’re gonna twerk and there are Duck Dynasty gags. The showrunners never really hide that fact; they figure you know what you’re getting yourself into by now and if you don’t think it’s funny, they hope you’ll be humored by the half-naked people strutting around on stage - possibly the most insulting thing about the whole show. Kudos to them for actually setting it at a Camp Crystal Lake knock-off this year, which actually makes it more Halloween themed than previous years. (David)

Hope you all enjoyed! See you in 2014 Horror Nights!

Now watching: Carrie (2013)

Carrie wasn't bad. I do agree with Tim Anderson that there really isn't a need for a remake that just follows the original movie almost to the T. Take some chances and change things up a bit! But it was visually fun and Moretz along with Moore did fantastic jobs as The White's.

RIP Brian David Wolfe

I just heard the news about Brian David Wolfe.
It is not fair to see someone as talented and nice of a guy like Brian go. 
Way, way back when FX Show in Orlando was a thing, I stumbled upon a booth. Two twin brothers were doing make up for pretty much nothing to support there new Punisher fan film. There makeup work was amazing! I asked if I could be made up as an undead cowboy and they graciously excepted. I sat in the chair while the brothers worked their magic and saw the awe and wonder of passers by looking at their work on me. When all was said and done I remember Brian looking right at me and saying "You are truly 'The Horror Guy' now". Little did I know, this was the start to a great friendship. I met George A Romero in that make up and he absolutely loved it! I met Robert Englund in that make up. It was the biggest horror experience of my life! I went home and started making a photo in MS Paint collage (lol) and remembered the nick name Brian gave me and that kick started my career with horror and my nick name.

Months later the Wolfe brothers asked if I'd join in there Marvel Zombies group at Dragon*Con and it was phenomenal! We were the biggest and coolest group at the show! That was how I became friends with Brian Boling and Yaya Han. We had pictures taken with Arthur Suydam the cover artist for Marvel Zombies. It was an experience of a lifetime. And what did Brian and Nick Wolfe ask for in return? A hand shake. Brian and his brother do what they do to put smiles on faces and to just have fun.

At the Sith party after Star Wars Celebration, I remember looking up and seeing Brian's mug as Darth Sidious. Just looking over the party goers in his evil chair and it was just PERFECT. I cracked up and waved hi. Then I see Brian waving me up to the stage. He didn't care how cool and epic he looked. He just knew it. He had me lean down into the chair and I asked "How's it goin man? Diggin the party?" and he responded back with "It's F'in HOT in here!" We both laughed and that's when it hit me. Brian was always laughing and smiling. Even with the evilest mug on in the galaxy, he was right as rain!

A few years later I heard about Brian's stint with cancer and it really scared me. This crap can happen to anyone. Even the nicest guy on earth. I'd go to work at Universal and talk with friends who knew Brian and we would all just stand around in silence at how this crap can come out of nowhere. Brian's family is so beautiful, I couldn't imagine seeing his daughter and wife sadden by what was happening. Though the out pour from friends was huge! His kickstarter " Brian Wolfe's Fight for Life " did great! I went through it almost everyday reading all the wonderful things Brian did for these people and it was our turn to help him and his family.

Only a few weeks later Spooky Empire, Inc. came around and I was struck in awe. I saw both Nick AND Brian dressed up for the show. They walked up to me as always and were just super polite and energetic. And here I am thinking about saying "Brian, shouldn't you be getting rest or in bed?" But then I thought "No, I'm not bringing that crap up. Brian is here to forget all that and just have fun in his spooky environment." The boys went on there way taking photos and creeping kids out. That was the last time I physically saw Brian. And I really wouldn't want it any other way.

I'm really going to miss you brother. Paint the heavens.

Carrie Unleashed in a coffee shop near you

A pretty great 'every day girl with telekinetic powers' scare! I love this!

First jack o'lantern of the season

Dexter: That's all folks! (Non spoiler review)

I really shouldn't have watched Dexter's final episode AFTER the Breaking Bad finale (which was perfect by the way!)

I've been watching Dexter since the beginning and man has this show been a roller coaster. Dexter hasn't been near perfect. Not since Julie Benz left the series a few years back. Which is hilarious when you think about it. Fans hated Rita once the baby was born. "She is always weighing Dexter down!", "Dexter can never get kills done with Rita around!" The writers listened to the fans and crossed her off the cast. I'm not going to lie, I was upset.

When writing a show, you should have your own vision and stick with it. I feel like the writing team on Dexter really pulled a "Mass Effect 3" and changed it's story for the fans sake. I thought the Rita struggle worked out great and gave us a lot of "Oh shit" moments. From a studio standpoint, I can see why they would cater to the fans. But you are compromising the original story and that bums me out.

I gave up on Dexter during it's last season. Deb finds out he kills people and ties up all her loose ends? Great! Where are we going to go with this? Nowhere...in fact we are going to introduce a slew of new characters we want you to get attached to in the final season. It doesn't make any sense! As for the last half hour of the final episode. What the hell? Things could have gone so many different ways and they didn't. In fact most of the outcomes were down right laughable. The ending to Dexter feels like it was written two days before they started shooting the finale and it shows.

Dexter, you had some great seasons (season 4!) but you really fell into a Hellmouth at the end there.

I'll be recommending LOST to friends over you, if anyone asks.

Now Watching: Booze & Horror edition

Tonight was a double feature of classic horror proportions. The Halloween film that got so much flack years ago that has now turned into a cult hit. Along with possibly one of the best horror collaborations out there. The Simpsons Treehouse of Horrors XI was the intermission tonight along with the first Beetlejuice Halloween special from the animated series.

Booze & Horror nights are some of my favorite nights of the week. I love showing off the classics to my friends that may have forgotten them, or the ones who have never seen them. But while I watch these films with child like glee in my eyes, I look over at some of my friends and see straight boredom. I get the films are a tad dated and cheesy but I feel like so much love was put into these classics. A certain type of horror we don't get to see anymore. I don't know, I also feel like people today are just too desensitized with all the extreme horror films that litter media today. It's a shame but I will always have a special place for these movies. That is why I love Scream Factory! I know a lot of the guys behind the blurays and they do a great job! So much love and care is put into each bluray and it shows. I work very closely with them reviewing titles for my show and would not have it any other way.

This October, make sure to put away the SAW's and hide the many Paranormal Activities sequels and just pull out a few classics you have not seen in a while. They me hauntingly surprise you!


PS: Isn't it just grand that Tom Atkins is in both of these films?!

Now Watching: Sleepy Hollow (FOX)

Talk about a show I really wanted to like. I can't take the hint of campy FOX writing added to a retelling of an Ichabod Crane tale. That, along with seeing the Headless Horsemen with a sub machine gun just felt wrong.  But it is the beginning of fall and it just seems right to watch. At least the locations are beautiful to look at. My friends have hope so I'll ride this one out just a little longer.

I guess this was the "Asian cop" roll John Cho was auditioning for some years back. lol

"Dr. Jekyll? That's odd. He told me his name was Mr. Hyde"

Just finished another monstrous painting. I worked on this piece after my late nights at Universal getting Halloween Horror Nights 23 ready for the public. After watching the Rankin Bass classic 'Mad Monster Party' one night, I was bit by the Jekyll and Mr. Hyde bug and started marathoning all the crazed characters film appearances. This concept was taken right from the "Monster Party" itself.

                                     Did I mention it also glows in the dark?

Now Playing: Bloody Homecoming

Yup, It's just as bad as it sounds. Everything from the typical writing trope to the lack luster acting. "

Three years after a tragic accident leaves a student dead at the annual Homecoming dance, a group of senior friends anxious about the return of Homecoming Night to their sleepy Southern town find themselves visited by a deadly presence from their past in the dark and desolate halls of their very own high school."

It's almost a lesser version of My Bloody Valentine. I couldn't help but notice little things like sound and lighting issues, but I don't want to bore you all with minimal details. There are no clues leading into the twist, but there are a ton of obvious lead on's that nowhere to throw off the viewer.If you do get a chance to watch this disaster, pay attention to how long the "pouring gasoline" scene is, also watch the woman pouring the gasoline's face. It's pretty damn amusing.

Opening the horrifying box (HHN23)

So I picked the lock....

Now Watching: Don't worry, You're AMONG FRIENDS

And now to see if Danielle Harris can direct. What's with the "dinner table" trend in horror right now? Is it because it's cheap to film? I feel like it's a tired medium these days. The ending to this was pretty cheap also, but I enjoyed the 'actress bit.' I'd rather be watching 'Would you Rather' staring Jeffrey Combs though.

A mysterious box awaits me at my doorstep

As some of you may already know, I run a podcast for a small site called Bloody-Disgusting.com. I will be at Universals Halloween Horror Nights 23 press event this Friday night. When I awoke this morning I found this on my doorstep.

Find me that person who says Christmas is better than Halloween! This is truly the most wonderful time of the year!

50 Days 50 Monsters: The Wolfman

Monster 2 on my 50 Days 50 Monsters project, THE WOLFMAN! This one was a work in progress while learning Sketchbook Pro. It's all in the layers, haha!

50 Days 50 Monsters: Day 1 - NOSFERATU

Room 237

Some of these freeze frame scenes I'm calling BS on. I mean did anyone see Kubrick in the clouds at the opening of the film? The hard on in the office? You're telling me some of the transitions have meaning? I mean maybe? But I believe most of these are happy accidents that Kubrick may have at one point or another pointed out. I really think this doc is made up of SUPER Kubrick fans that obsessed over the film and didn't have the internet at the time to share their ideas and findings until now. Though, these finds are still very interesting. A different kind of documentary then what most are expecting for sure.

Evil Dead (2013)

                                             Except not

It is so easy these days to cast aside remakes being a veteran horror fan. Now when I say I'm a veteran horror fan, I do not mean I know more than most. Hell, I'm still learning so much about the classics. But I have been a fan almost my entire life. The Evil Dead series is a must for any fan seeking out all their horror fantasies. Amateur stylize directing, tons of over the top gore, stop motion. They are just down right fun! The series found this perfect blend of frightful scares and hilarity. When you try and remake something like this in the 21st century, it's not easy and you will not please everyone.

Remakes come from all shapes and sizes. For instance...

Dawn of the Dead - The team at STRIKE took the simple elements of zombies in a mall and ran with it.
Halloween - Rob Zombie told an origin story while at the same time telling the same story we already knew.
Nightmare on Elm St. - Platinum Dunes told the same story and just updated the characters.

I would say the 2013 Evil Dead falls somewhere between Halloween and Nightmare's concepts. And that made me sad. I was hoping for something fresh. Something new brought the the series. A film that really got under my skin and made me scared. Now I can go on and say that I'm a jaded horror fan and that nothing scares me anymore, but I know that isn't true. Evil Dead is in no way scary. In fact the only thing that made the audience jump was the Ghost House Pictures logo at the start of the film because everyone was on the edge of the their seats ready for a frightfest.

     Hey did you know this scene isn't even in the actual movie?

I had so many problems with this movie BECAUSE I enjoy the original so much. The deadites (possessed humans) looked terrifying in Raimi's film. In this they are just cut up with a green filter overlaying the picture. There are other detailed aspects like the tree rape scene and the book of the dead that I'd like to get into, but I do not want to spoil the film here for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. Just know that love and labor is there for horror fans. This film is soaked in blood (50,000 gallons of blood to be exact) and gore from head to toe. I'm surprised it made it to theaters! The film has little to no CG effects like promised and the make up department did a fantastic job. But I wanted more from an updated Evil Dead film then gore. The subtle humor is there. (Duct tape anyone?) But it's not enough to help me care for the bland performance from some of the characters we are supposed to care for.

Honestly if I was just getting into the horror craze and saw this film, I'd love it. But I'm not. I didn't expect the same 1980's films at all. I just wanted to be terrified by the movie. I wanted to run and tell all my friends that Evil Dead is back and it is horrifying! Instead, I'm telling you all that this movie is missing some major key elements to making this a great horror picture. And from what I hear, a good 15 minutes was cut from the final product. Will that really make this a better movie? Probably not. But it's something. Hopefully we will get an unrated cut on bluray soon and I'm anxious for that. Evil Dead is in no ways a bad horror film. It's just not the Evil Dead I wanted.


I'm giving Evil Dead (2013)...
 

100 Days 100 Monsters

I think I'm going to do this.

I got the idea from a friend of mine, artist Patrick Sparrow (check out his work below.)
This should really get me motivated and is right up my alley! I'm very excited for this project.

Keep a look out for where ever Keenan is sold.
And make sure to follow Patrick's work over on his Tumblr page!