Creepy Cinema: Cult Camp | Week Two

The second week of Creepy Cinema: Cult Camp was both good and bad. It was good because I saw some really scary and terrifying movies but I really liked them. I think I saw what will probably be my favorite film this year! I also saw probably the worst movie on the list as well. Overall, it was a pretty well rounded week and I can't wait to see more!

1. Evil Dead (1981)  

This is one of the few movies on the list that I knew. I’ve actually seen Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness. I enjoyed both those films and was excited to see the movie that started it all. Evil Dead is about a group of friends that drive to a cabin in the woods and inadvertently end up releasing demons in the process. This is the sort of movie that I avoid.

Way back when I saw the other Evil Dead movies, Markus intentionally left out this one, because he knew it would be too much for me. I have to admit that I loved this movie. It was terrifying and I enjoyed every minute. Evil Dead is a low budget film and it honestly looks like a student project. Despite all this, the film really delivers. I think of all the films that we’ve seen so far, this one was my favorite. It has everything that you could want in a horror flick. I spent the entire movie screaming at every little thing and watching with my hands over my eyes. It was perfection. 

2.  Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

If there is one thing that creeps me out, it’s clowns. They’re always smiling and hiding their real faces. I think it has a lot to do with accidentally seeing clips of Stephen King’s “It” when I was a kid. Since then, I’ve always had a fear of clowns. Killer Klowns from Outer Space is about alien clowns that come to earth and start attacking and harvesting humans for food.

I was expecting to be super creeped out by this movie and I really wasn’t. There were a few moments that were scary, but overall, it’s an 80s movie about clowns from outer space. How scary can it really be? The designs for the clowns were really amazing and jarring when I first saw them. I also enjoyed the super sweet and cheesy theme song. It was perfectly 80’s sounding for a cult classic.

3. Re-Animator (1985)

I was really excited to see this movie. I knew that it was very popular and beloved among its fans. The film is based on an HP Lovecraft story titled, “Herbert West-Reanimator”. It follows West and his quest to unlock the power of reanimating the dead, hence the title. This film is known for being able to combine gore with comedy.

I think the driving force for all the love is Jeffrey Combs, who plays Herbert West.
West is an amazing character, he’s so strange and creepy, however you can’t help but root for him. It’s strange because he’s such an anti-hero. Combs is an incredible actor and was also the lead in From Beyond, viewed in last year’s Creepy Cinema. I really enjoyed this film and I think a large part of that is because of Combs’ incredible acting. 

 4. Mad Monster Party (1967)
Words cannot express how much I adore this movie. It was a lot of fun to watch.  It’s a stop motion comedy film that features all the classic monsters we all know and love. The film is about the gathering of said characters and the lure of total destruction. I’m a huge fan of old movies and this one didn’t fail to deliver that same sense of nostalgia. 

I really enjoyed this movie and there was so much to love. It has that style of the 60s that anyone can appreciate. It’s campy and kitschy. All of the characters are incredibly designed. My favorite character was Felix, the only human in the entire film. He’s adorable and sounds a bit like Jimmy Stewart, who I adore. Although the love story with Francesca felt really forced. One minute she hates him and then he slaps her and she’s instantly in love. I don’t get it, but I guess that’s how women fell in love back then. 

 5.  The ABC’s of Death (2012)

I thought that The Toxic Avenger was the worst movie this year, but I was sadly mistaken. Little did I know that the worse was yet to come. When Markus and I read the synopsis for this film, we thought that it would be a nice addition to the list. The film is a horror anthology directed by 26 different directors and spans the alphabet, exploring different words associated with death. According to the Internet, it was toted as a cult classic “in the making.” 

I didn’t think that I would dislike this movie so much, but I did. It was so blasé that I had to stop watching in the middle. I think the main problem with this anthology film is that there were a few good shorts immersed in a sea of horrible ones.  I just really didn’t like most of them, and I think the crux of the problem is that there were 26 shorts.  That’s way too many. Most horror anthologies boast four or even 6 shorts, which is more than enough to deliver quality stories and great characters.  I think The ABC’s of Death would have been better suited for an online horror short competition, not a full film. 

 6.  C.H.U.D (1984)

This movie is one of those movies that you’ve heard of but have no idea what it’s about. Sometimes, it’s best to go into these movies not knowing anything because you don’t have preconceived notions. There were so many famous people in this movie and it was kind of surprising! This film is about strange, mutated, underground dwellers that eat and kill humans.

I thought C.H.U.D. was good, but it was really slow. The story is really interesting and the parts that were meant to be scary were just that. It just took forever to get to the point. I think that’s the thing about 80s movies. They really take their time explaining. The creatures themselves were really gross and I screamed a bit. Not as much as I did during Evil Dead, but it still had its moments. 

 7. Splinter (2008)

Again, Splinter is the kind of movie that I try avoid. It’s the epitome of a horror movie, and evokes so much anxiety. It doesn’t employ jump scares; the entire movie is just terrifying and really scares the junk out of you. This movie was a little known film that has become popular over the years on DVD and streaming. Splinter is your basic bottle movie that has a small cast and focuses on the paranoia and terror of something infecting and killing anyone in the vicinity...in a very horrific way of course.

When the movie starts, it hits the ground running, and it feels like it’s never going to stop. I spent the entire movie cringing and screaming. There were several moments when I had to close my eyes and plug my ears. I think this is the scariest movie we’ve seen in this year’s Creepy Cinema. It’s the kind of movie that traps it’s characters in a small space and pokes at them in horrible ways. I really enjoyed watching it, especially with friends, but I don’t think I could ever watch it again.

Creepy Cinema 2013: Cult Camp

October has finally arrived, and in the Cruz household that means one thing, Creepy Cinema! Last year, Markus and I began this tradition because I couldn't watch scary movies at all. He would always ask me to watch them with him, but I always refused. I felt bad for him, so finally I gave in and said that he could have the entire month of October...and thus Creepy Cinema was born. However I 'd like to think that after last year's Creepy Cinema I've graduated to a higher level of courage. I have Markus to thank for all of this. He's seen almost every scary movie out there, and he's been a great guide.

This year, we decided on a theme, Cult Camp. We're basically watching 31 movies that are considered cult horror classics. A movie is deemed a cult classic when it has a a huge fan base but failed in the box office. From this list of 31 films, I've only seen two. There is such a wide variety this year and I'm really excited to get started. There's bound to be something that I'll love!

Source: Skeleton Couple/Vintage Feedsacks

Turning Japanese | Five Novels about Japan

I'm an avid reader and if I'm not too busy with creative projects or planning trips, I'm reading. Most of the time, reading is how I relax. I love the feeling of being able to forget all my stress and escape into another world. I noticed recently that most of the books I've been reading lately were somehow related to Japan. I think I subconsciously chose those books with the intention of hyping myself up for my trip. I wanted to share these books and a few other favorites. Even if you can't travel to Japan, you can still experience Japanese culture through these novels!

1. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
I feel a bit silly having this on the list because by now, everyone has at least heard of this book or film. This was probably one of the first books I read that was set in Japan. If you've never heard of the novel, it's the story of a young geisha in Kyoto during World War II. Before reading this book, I didn't know much about the world of the geisha. I knew it was very secretive and a very special. I always wondered what it was like to be a geisha. It's actually quite an interesting story and although it's not my favorite, it showed me a world that would've always been a mystery.

2. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
This novel is set in Tokyo and is a coming of age story of a young Japanese man named Toru Watanabe. I really loved the story and read it in two days. I really liked the tone of Norwegian Wood. I tend to read a lot of coming of age novels and really enjoyed reading about Toru's troubles with two very different women in his life. It was interesting reading about what relationships are like in Japan. Even though we come from different cultures, one thing will always be the same, the endless search for love and a connection with another.

3. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
I know it's very strange that I have such a violent book on a list about traveling to Japan, but I think it deserves to be noted. Back when I read Hunger Games, Markus told me that it was just a tamer version of Battle Royale. I didn't believe him, but after reading it, the similarities were uncanny. There is no doubt that this book is violent and to a certain degree, soul crushing. It doesn't waste any time and gets right into the battle. It's pretty intense and I would probably never read it again. Despite all of this, it's such a Japanese book. It has that sort of signature style that you would expect from a Japanese film or anime.

4. Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
Just a few weeks ago, I finished reading my second Murakami novel. As I stated before, I really enjoyed Norwegian Wood and Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is one of his most popular. When Markus asked me to describe this book to him, it was a bit hard. I basically said, "It's about this guy that loses his cat and his wife and he has a lot of weird dreams." It wasn't my favorite book by Murikami but it when it was good, it was good. While I was reading this book, I was also planning our Japan trip. As I continued to read, I started to feel excited because I knew that soon I would be visiting the places that he was describing.

5. A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
This is the latest book I've read and it's quite good. The concept is quite interesting and really unique. Ruth in British Columbia finds a diary on the beach and features the world of sixteen year old Nao from Tokyo. I enjoyed Nao's story more than Ruth's because Nao felt so real. I could imagine her pain and her struggles. I could empathize with her constant loneliness and bullying from her classmates. It's an amazing book because of this. Also, there is so much about Japanese pop-culture and history. It's a story that connects the past, the present and the future. I loved this book and was the the perfect book to read before a trip to Japan.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my top five Japanese novels. Were there any novels that I left out or ones that I should read? I love to hear from my readers, so please leave me a comment! 

Top Ten Animated Hotties

I'm not sure if it's very apparent on my blog, but I'm a huge geek. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved and been obsessed with comic books, anime and that sort of thing. I would spend hours watching TV and films. As a young adolescent girl, I was, of course, boy crazy and tended to form little crushes on some of the animated characters. So in lieu of the endless hours I've recently spent watching the anime series, One Piece (and all the hotties from that series) I've compiled a list of my animated crushes from early childhood to present day.

10. Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid
One of my earliest memories is of this movie. I was six when the film came out and my brother took me to the theater to watch it. Even at such a young age, I fell for Prince Eric. He was a total dreamboat. He was dashing and handsome, everything that a young girl wants in her prince. I really liked that he was captivated by Ariel's voice and not her looks. I found this gem of a photo on the internet. It's a bit risque, but who could pass up a bubble bath with this hot prince?

9.  Aladdin from Aladdin
I always found Aladdin really charming. Of all the Disney male love interests, I think he would make the best husband. He's lived on the streets so he'll always work hard to provide for his family. He's really smart and he'll always be one jump ahead of the lawmen that's all, and that's no joke. I also loved his voice, he actually sounds a lot like Markus. So if you think about it, I sort of married an alternate version of Aladdin. Actually, they kinda look alike too... 

8.  Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon
In middle school, I lived for this show. This show was my life. As soon as I got home, I went straight for the TV and watched Sailor Moon. I even wore my hair like Sailor Jupiter. It was embarrassing, but I was obsessed. I think the real root of my obsession was my undying love for Mamoru Chiba or Tuxedo Mask. He was in high school, so he was like the ultimate for me. I liked how rude he was to Usagi, but then changed later. Even though people these days say he's a little lame, I still pledge my undying affection for him. 

7.  Li Shang from Mulan
I was really excited when I heard that they were releasing an Asian Disney movie. I spent my entire childhood admiring and loving Ariel, Jasmine and Belle, but now there was a girl that I could really connect with. Although, there was someone else I would rather connect with, Li Shang. There is nothing more attractive than a man who is in control and commands attention. He was both swift as a coursing river and tranquil as a forest. Most importantly, he was mysterious like the dark side of the moon. Plus, a guy whose motto is, "Let's get down to business" is definitely hot.

6.  Sanji from One Piece
I struggled a little bit with including Sanji on this list because there are two other One Piece characters already. Then I realized, Sanji loves women, he's an incredible chef, he's really strong and he's quite a looker. It would be a crime if I didn't include him. When I was first introduced to Sanji on One Piece, I didn't really like him. I thought he was too annoying when it came to women, but then I realized that's one of his best qualities. He's passionate about the ladies to the point that he becomes a silly prince that dotes on your every whim and that type of guy would be a great boyfriend.

5. Howl from Howl's Moving Castle
I love Hayao Miyazaki films, they are amazing. I don't think there are any movies that could really compare. Howl's Moving Castle isn't my favorite, that's Spirited Away, but this movie has Howl. He is one attractive kid. I mean look at those piercing blue eyes. I could fall into those baby blues. I don't usually go for blondes but Sanji and Howl are definitley the exception. The fact that he owns a moving castle and is a powerful wizard, makes him even more appealing. He's also super mysterious and that's super sexy.

4. Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop
There is nothing cooler than an intergalactic bounty hunter. I never watched Cowboy Bebop when it first came out, but a couple years ago I told Markus I wanted to watch it. I'm not really a fan of space or westerns, so anything that is a space western I don't really like. I know, I know Firefly is amazing and so is Trigun, but I wasn't a fan of either. Having said all of that, I'm totally a fan of Cowboy Bebop and especially Spike Spiegel. He doesn't have any special powers, he's just a really good bounty hunter. I love that he's not so serious and takes life as it comes. He's very carefree but when it's time to be serious, he's a stone faced killah.

3. Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
There is no doubt that the hottest member of the Straw Hats is Roronoa Zoro. This guy just oozes hotness. He's stoic and the complete opposite of Sanji. While Sanji lives for the ladies, Zoro only lives to become the greatest swordsman in the world. This man strives for greatness. He is fiercely loyal to his captain and crew and he's an extremely amazing swordsman. Not only is he hot, but he has great ambition that pushes him to be the best. There is nothing more attractive than a broody guy that knows what he wants and goes for it.

2. Hatake Kakashi from Naruto

Back when Markus and I first started dating, we bonded over our mutual love of Naruto. Over the next couple years, we religiously watched every episode. Then I fell out of love with Naruto and stopped watching anime. Despite not watching the show, one thing still remained, my undying love for Kakashi. I love that he's so serious, but when he isn't off fighting he's reading romance novels.  Markus still watches Naruto, so I'll always ask, "How's Kakashi doing? Still alive? Still hot?" I may no longer be interested in the show, but I'll always be interested in that silver haired fox from the Hidden Leaf Village.

1. Portgas D Ace from One Piece
Ace, oh Ace, you hot, hot hottie. Quite literally, the guy is made of fire. I don't know what it is about Ace, but I love this guy. He has great hair and his freckles, oh my golly, those freckles. I love that he runs around shirtless showing off his body. It's like he knows that he looks good and that he has the confidence to flaunt it. I like to think that he's a grown-up version of his younger brother, Luffy. He's what Luffy will become when he matures and grows a bit. Not only is Ace a looker, but he's also a really great guy. He loves his brother immensely. Their strong bond is what really what made me love Ace. He's fiercely loyal to those closest to him.  He would do anything, even if it means risking his life and that's the kind of guy deserves to be number one.

So, dear readers, there is my list of the top ten animated hotties. I hoped you enjoyed it! Did you agree with with all of my selections? Is there anyone that you think should've make the list? Let me know in the comments!


Photo Credits:
Prince Eric: galaxcardinal / Sanji: nmhps3-d5kczth/ Kakashi: ALA21DDIN21/ Tuxedo Mask: Cosmos-chan/ Zoro: cromarlimo

Creepy Cinema 2012 | Hotties

While devoting the entire month of October to Creepy Cinema, I noticed something about some of the films. In many of them, there is a distinct and obvious hottie. I know this is something that I shouldn't be focusing on while watching scary movies, but it definitley helped keep me interested. It was much easier coping with the help of these hotties.

1. Steve McQueen as Steve Andrews in The Blob
The one and only reason I wanted to watch this movie was because of this beautiful man. As I said in my review of The Blob, I adore Steve McQueen. He's not my normal type but I saw him in another movie with Natalie Wood, Love with the Proper Stranger and it was game over. There's something so rugged and charming about him, he's such a stud. 

2. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates in Psycho
This was one of the most surprising hotties on the list. I knew the character Norman Bates, but I had no idea he was like this. I loved his character because he was so innocent and unsuspecting. Norman is such an intricate character with so many facets. One minute he's innocent and sweet, and the next he's dressed like a crazy lady. It's an amazing performance to watch. 

3. Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow
I'm sure it comes as no surprise that this gorgeous man is on this list. Johnny Depp is the my epitome. I've always loved him and always thought he was an amazing actor. His performance in this movie is one of his stand out roles and one that I will always enjoy. Also, the 19th century garb isn't too shabby. Something about this era always gets to me. 

4. Michael J. Fox as Frank Bannister in The Frighteners
Michael J. Fox is one of those actors that everyone loves. This kid is a legend in the industry and I really miss seeing him in films. At least he's made some real winners during his career. That being said, I now have the sudden urge to watch Back to the Future. Oh, who am I kidding, I always have the urge to watch Back to the Future.

5. Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps in The Woman in Black 
This was another huge surprise for me. I'm 100% a Ron Weasley fan. Ronald is so much better than Harry. I know that Harry is the chosen one and all that, but how can you resist an adorable ginger? I've always been a bit hard on Daniel Radcliffe, but in this movie he really impressed me. He was pretty good and he really broke away from his well known role.

6. Justin Long as Darry Jenner in Jeepers Creepers
Who knew that's what he looked like under all the clothes? I mean, wow. I never would've thought it. His character in this movie was annoying, but he's still nice to look at. Justin Long you are a bonafide hottie. 

7. Peter Cushing as John Banning in The Mummy
Even though he's a bit older, he's a distinguished hottie. Look at that face. It's so expressive and intense. He's every bit what I imagine a 19th century English aristocrat would look like. Plus, check out those baby blues. My golly, they are piercing. 

8. Casper Van Dien as Brom Van Brunt in Sleepy Hollow 
Oh Casper Van Dien, how I used to love you. He was so hot in Starship Troopers. I was so excited to see him in Sleepy Hollow. He looked good in the 19th century clothing, weird mullet cut and all. I wonder whatever happened to him. 

9. Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters 
Another surprise hottie. Wow, Egon Spengler you are a geeky girls dream. He looks like a really nerdy Adrien Brody, who is also freaking attractive by the way. All the science jargon just added to his hotness. There's nothing sexier than intelligence. 

10. Eduardo Noriega as Jacinto in The Devil's Backbone 
Man, this guy was such a villain and a douche, but he was so cute. The minute he appeared, I knew he was bad news. He just seemed like a creeper. So I guess he's a creepy hottie. Wow, that just sounds really strange. Forget I said that. 

Honorable Mention - Johnny Depp as Edward in Edward Scissorhands
Oh Edward, how I love thee. This is where my love of Johnny Depp began. Yes, I thought he was a hottie even with multiple scars, a pale face and scissors for hands. I told you guys I was a weird kid. Edward will always have a special place in my heart. 

Introduction, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5