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Post Childhood Traumafession:: Mickster on The Strangers (2008)

Posted on By unkle lancifer

I was still married when I first saw The Strangers (2008). The movie really scared me, and I was not anxious to watch it again. The thought of random killers invading the sanctity of my home with the intent to murder me was truly unsettling. My niece had her own traumatizing experience watching the movie, so sometimes we taunt each other about watching the movie again. We generally have the same response of, "Not just no, but Hell no!" each time. Fast forward to the fall of 2011, I was in the midst of turmoil as I was going through a divorce. Due to the uncertainty of my situation, I was already on edge and as a result, I stopped watching horror films. One particular Friday night, I said, "The Hell with this," and decided I was going to watch a movie from my favorite genre. As my status on Facebook, I said I was going to watch a horror movie and did anyone have any suggestions as to which one I should watch. My niece, of course, taunted me with The Strangers.

So, I decided that perhaps I would watch it again. I set about doing my evening chores; so I could sit down to view the movie. I was almost done when my doorbell rang. It did not just ring once; it was a double ring. I was startled because I was not expecting any visitors. I quietly peaked out my front window to see if there was a car in the driveway. There was nothing in the driveway, and it was completely dark outside. I, of course, did not open the front door, and I immediately set my alarm system to instant. The doorbell did not ring again, but the damage was done. I was completely unsettled and spooked. I did not watch The Strangers that night; in fact, I did not watch any horror movies that night. I have since told my niece that if she wants to me to watch the movie again she will have to come to my house to watch it with me and spend the night otherwise my response will be a definite, "No way in Hell!"

UNK SEZ: Thanks Mickster! What a great idea to write about a movie that traumatized you as an adult! I have a few of those myself! If anybody else out there was freaked out by a film that they saw when they were fully grown we'd love to hear about it! Who says you have to be a kid to be traumatized?

Brutal (2012) by Kinderpal Mickster

Posted on By kinderpal mickster

Brutal (2012)

"My name is Brutal…" are the first words spoken by the enormous brute tormenting A. Michael Baldwin's character in the film Brutal (2012). At this point in the film, one may assume that Brutal is going to be a run-of-the-mill "torture porn" flick that has been done to death in recent years; however, Brutal is neither run-of-the-mill or "torture porn." I hesitate to give very many details, as I do not want to spoil this movie for anyone. I will say that Brutal has many twists and turns and it kept me guessing. In fact, I was floored by the final twist. Brutal stars A. Michael Baldwin (The PHANTASM series) and Michael Patrick Stevens who makes his writing, producing, directing, and acting debut. The majority of the film takes place in a cramped basement with Carl (Baldwin), a family man, being tortured by Brutal (Stevens) for no obvious reason. At an hour and twenty-five minutes, Brutal is tense and harrowing from beginning to end. Brutal left me contemplating what I would do if I found myself in a similar situation. Ultimately, Brutal shows what people are capable of when pushed to the edge. The filmmakers and actors have plenty to be proud of here. The finished product is impressive considering budget and time constraints. Hopefully, this is just the beginning for Michael Patrick Stevens and a new beginning for A. Michael Baldwin.

UNK SEZ: Thanks for the scoop Mickster! Folks, you can learn more about Brutal at its official website HEREand check out the trailer below!

Time After Time (1979) by Kinderpal Mickster

Posted on By unkle lancifer

Is TIME AFTER TIME a thriller, a romance, or science fiction? The answer is yes! TIME AFTER TIME (1979) delves into all three genres. I distinctly remember watching TAT on HBO at my older sister's apartment back in 1980. My clearest memories of the film involve Jack the Ripper, of course. I have been fascinated with Jack the Ripper as long as I can remember (see my JACK'S BACK post), so this movie was right up my alley. I received the movie on DVD a couple of years ago and finally got around to revisiting it this summer.

Mickster's Memorable Moments:

*Jack's special pocket watch with his tune for murder.

*Wells finds a young boy (Corey Feldman) at the museum is staring at him.

It's a Horror to Know You :: Kinderpal Mickster!

Posted on By unkle lancifer

It's a Horror to Know You: Kinderpal Mickster!

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

Trilogy of Terror (1975)-Zuni fetish doll anyone? Four-year-old Mickster was traumatized by the "Amelia" segment. I also have a vivid memory of the Zuni fetish doll being on the cover of the TV Guide.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Insidious (2011)-I was spooked for a least a week after seeing this one at the theater even though I wasn't satisfied with the ending.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971)-I saw this super, creepy gem on late night TV as a kid. Movies like this fed my fascination with vampires at an early age. It still satisfies.

The Thirst (1979)-Another creepy, unusual flick I caught late night when I was young. I watched because I love vampires and I kept watching because I found this take on vampires intriguing.

House on Sorority Row (1983)-I saw this for the first time at a high school slumber party. My most vivid memory at the time was the head in the toilet. Upon subsequent viewings, I find this movie to be a cut above cookie cutter slasher films (even though I find most all slasher films entertaining).

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

Prom Night (1980)-I cannot help myself! I love the groovy dance moves of Jamie Lee Curtis and the demise of Wendy the super bitch!

Terror Train (1980)-I just cannot resist David Copperfield performing magic for a "rock crowd" on New Year's Eve not to mention the huge crush I have on Ben Johnson!

Halloween III Season of the Witch (1982)-How can I possibly withstand that jingle, "Eight more days till Halloween! Silver Shamrock!" or the awesome Tom Atkins?

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Like Totally 80s. It is a great place for 80s nuts like me!

Retroland. Another one for nostalgic fiends like myself!

Plaid Stallions. Do you enjoy looking at old catalogs like me? Then head on over to Plaid Stallions!

Made For TV Mayhem. My pal Amanda by Night is the only person I know that is more nostalgic than me!

I don't have a fifth because I want to say Kindertrauma, but you are already here.

Once, Then & Now :: Mickster on Buried Alive (1990)

Posted on By kinderpal mickster

ONCE
I first watched BURIED ALIVE on USA back in 1990. I was still living at home and just starting college. Although I had not yet felt the sting of betrayal in a relationship, I immediately identified with the character Clint (TIM MATHESON). Clint is a hardworking and faithful husband. I have always been a rule-follower in my life, so I have issues with people who do not follow the rules. For that reason, I disliked the characters Joanna (JENNIFER JASON LEIGH) and Cort (WILLIAM "No Dick" ATHERTON– GHOSTBUSTERS). I cheered for Clint as he meticulously exacted revenge against his plotting wife and her lover. I also fussed at Joanna over the numerous dumb moves she made along the way (i.e., not giving Clint the full amount of fishy poison in his wine, skipping the embalming, and racing to sell his business and home). Overall, nineteen-year-old Mickster found the movie entertaining and the ending satisfying.

THEN
I was excited when I found of copy of BURIED ALIVE at Monster Mania in early June 2011. I had not seen it since 1990 and as far as I knew, it had not been released on DVD. Before I had a chance to enjoy it though life dealt me a devastating blow. Having discovered my ex-spouse had also been unfaithful, I now had more in common with Clint than I did when I watched the movie before. In late July, I managed to make myself watch it again and it made my blood boil. In fact, it was almost too much for me to take at that point. I sat down and started to write about the movie…

"I can relate to Clint Goodman's plight. I feel his pain at being screwed over by the person who is supposed to care the most in his life. Clint is a ‘good man' who loves his wife and wants nothing more than to build a long-lasting life with her. He has built her a beautiful country home and has a successful contracting company. When his wife says that she is going into the city overnight to shop and hangout with her girlfriends, Clint believes her without question. Clint's wife, however, is a lying, scheming whore with nefarious plans for her good and trusting husband."

Clearly forty-year-old Mickster was pissed off and a bit too close to the subject matter. Unkle Lancifer, being the sweetheart he is, suggested I walk away from writing about the film while my feelings were so raw. I agreed and pushed it aside until now.

NOW
I am now ready to revisit my old friend, BURIED ALIVE. It serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between love and hate. Although I still side with Clint throughout the movie, I have to point out some things he should have recognized, as I have had to do the same in my own life. It is clear to anyone watching the film that Joanna is not into her husband or the life he is trying desperately to build with her. Clint, like many of us in disintegrating relationships, is too busy trying to make this life work to see the problems before him. He assumes that because he is faithful and kind that his wife is too. This was an enormous mistake on Clint's part, which almost cost him his life. Even his loyal Rottweiler recognizes what a fraud his wife is. Animals are wise in these matters and can sense a phony quickly. (Note to my sweet kitty Professor Von Whiskersen, I should have noticed your reactions to the ex. I will trust your judgment from now on.)

When Clint wakes up in a coffin, digs his way out, and stumbles home, he is floored by what he discovers. Clint's deep love quickly turns to bitter hatred and he plans his revenge. Even though Joanna and her scheming lover richly deserve this revenge, I feel that ultimately Clint would be unable to bear his actions since he is at heart loving and kind.

A lot can change in the way you view a film. Twenty-two years ago, Mickster was simply entertained. Nine months ago, Mickster was most definitely outraged. Now, Mickster is older, wiser, and thankfully calmer. I know it is only a movie, but I wish Clint had given himself the time to think things through more clearly. People like Joanna and Cort will ultimately destroy themselves with their selfishness. Clint could have watched this happen from the sidelines without soiling his own hands in the process.

Mickster's Holiday Funhouse!

Posted on By unkle lancifer

UNK SEZ: Christmas is right around the corner and the kindertrauma Castle is still not fully decorated. I'm off to see how many blinking lights I can buy with a dollar seventy five. Thankfully our Good pal Mickster has graciously volunteered to host today's festivities. Mickster has selected ten images from ten non-horror holiday films for you all. How many can you identify? Good Luck!

Streaming Alert! :: Kinderpal Mickster on Jack's Back (1988)

Posted on By kinderpal mickster

UNK SEZ: Aunt John and I have gone fishing but don't worry, as I was able to coax everybody's Kinderpal Mickster into recommending one of her faves for you. Thanks Mickster!

MICKSTER SEZ: Netflix isn't the only place that offers obscure horror movies instantly. Hulu.com is another good source for instant streaming. The best part is that Hulu.com is free. The only caveat is that you have to watch commercials every ten to fifteen minutes; however, it is worth it when you come across a movie that has not been released on DVD. This brings me to my recommendation for the week, JACK'S BACK (1988). I first discovered this little known gem on USA's UP ALL NIGHT during the early '90s.

It is one hundred years after the original Jack the Ripper murders in London, and a serial killer in Los Angeles is meticulously recreating the killings. If you like Jack the Ripper-themed movies, you should enjoy this one. It does not hurt that JAMES SPADER is so damn hot in this. He plays twins John and Rick Wesford. John being the straight-laced med student and Rick being the "bad-boy" shoe store manager. The supporting cast includes ROBERT PICARO (THE HOWLING) , ROD LOOMIS (aka Sigmund Freud from BILL & TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE) and CYNTHIA GIBB.

Mickster's Special Moments:

  • "Red Harvest" playing, as the Polaroid develops to reveal a dead prostitute.
  • The Ripper enjoys singing "My Way" in the shower to prepare for killing hookers.
  • John's unfortunate demise after being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
  • Rick wakes from a nightmare (about John's death) and rolls around on the bed in his underwear… Yay!
  • Rick teams up with the John's cute and spunky co-worker Chris to catch Jack the Ripper.
  • The porn theater sells guns but not bullets
  • Rick knocks "Red-Herring Jack" on his ass.
  • The final showdown with Jack the Ripper.

Stream Warriors :: Kinderpal Mickster on Shock Waves & Hide and Creep!

Posted on By kinderpal mickster

UNK SEZ: Today's episode of Stream Warriors is brought to you by the letter "Z" for zombie and is hosted by our favorite Kinderpal Mickster! Mickster's got a living-dead double feature for you currently available on Netflix streaming!

SHOCK WAVES (1977)

MICKSTER: Professor Von Whiskersen and I love the wide variety of movies offered through Netflix instant streaming. Therefore, when Unkle Lancifer asked me to host an installment of Stream Warriors, I jumped at the chance. The difficult part was deciding which movies to share. Ultimately, I decided to share two very different zombie movies. First up, Shock Waves (1977) is an atmospheric gem starring John Carradine as a crusty sea captain, Peter Cushing as a SS commander/hermit and a young Brooke Adams (Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Dead Zone) as a chick in a bikini. It features oodles of Nazi zombies. These aren't flesh-eating zombies (for Flesh-eating Nazi zombies see Dead Snow), but they are still eerie and deadly. Filmed in Florida at a deserted hotel with an otherworldly soundtrack, what the movie lacks in gore it makes up for in an ominous, unsettling atmosphere. Try this one and see if the watery Nazi zombies give you the willies too.

HIDE AND CREEP (2004)

MICKSTER: Next, Hide and Creep (2004) is a Southern zombie comedy. It is ultra-low budget, which is quite evident from the not-so-special effects. However, I have a soft spot for this independent film because it was made in Alabama, just like me. If you aren't from the South, you may not 'get' some of the Southern references. Things you should know: Southerners love Coke so much that they call all soft drinks (Sprite, Dr.Pepper, Pepsi, etc.) Coke, a man may value his car more than his woman, a father will teach his daughter how to use a gun, and the Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. Auburn) is more important than a zombie outbreak. If you are junk-sensitive, I will warn you that "Porky Pigging" occurs early in the film. I must admit that my favorite parts in the movie feature a video storeowner named Chuck. His passionate rant about the superiority of Coke over Pepsi is not to be missed! If you are a fan of zombies, low budgets, and/or Southerners, you should try this zomedy.

Mickster's Holiday Special Funhouse!

Posted on By kinderpal mickster

Hey Look! It's an early Christmas present from one of Kindertrauma's most favorite folks on Earth, the incredible MICKSTER! MICKSTER has rounded up 10 images from 10 of her favorite Holiday specials and she wants YOU to identify them. Don't sweat, she'll be on hand to light the way in case you get lost in a blizzard! Good Luck!