Musty TV's Maniacal Movie Countdown - Day 8

I think, for some reason, I actually went to see today's pick in a movie theater, though I have no memory of the event, or of the movie for that matter.

The movie is Cursed, and it's about teenage werewolves. Being that it came out in 2005, it was a little ahead of its time, at least in terms of the Twilight craze.

My seeing it in a theater probably had something to do with the fact that it was directed by Wes Craven, and written by Kevin Williamson, and being that they had a big hit with that first Scream movie, perhaps expectations were high.

I believe those expectations were not me, however. Alas.

Watch it at IFC at 5 P.M.

Musty TV's Maniacal Movie Countdown - Day 7

Trick 'r Treat is a movie I kind of stumbled upon, getting it from Netflix after putting it in my queue for reasons I can't really remember since it was a direct-to-DVD release, so didn't have much buzz.

It turned out to be surprisingly good, and a lot like Creepshow, in that it's an anthology of sorts, and filled with black humor.

It's showing on Logo, which is just weird, and I can't attest to that network's practices when it comes to editing for content, so I would of course advise a rental of some sorts as a first choice. But if you don't choose that route it's on at 5:30pm.

Musty TV's Maniacal Movie Countdown - Day 6

The Exorcist tends to go on most people's lists of top ten scariest horror movies, but I have to admit, I never found the movie that scary. Disturbing, yes. Spooky, yes. But it never really haunted my dreams.

Maybe that's because I didn't have a religious upbringing, so it's not taping into any residual trauma such an upbringing can sometimes result in.

Or maybe I just don't fine pea soup that horrifying.

I WILL say this, though. The hospital scenes made me terrified of getting x-rays, which was not a good thing since I ended up having to get a lot at a young age. So let me reassure anyone with the same fears: X-rays are not scary.

MRIs on the other hand...hoo-boy!

(Just kidding. They aren't scary either. Just intensely annoying.)

Watch it at 5pm on IFC.

Musty TV's Maniacal Movie Countdown - Day 5

Let's Scare Jessica To Death is one of those weird 1970s horror movies that's more a psychological thriller than something truly horrorific. Unless bad 70's clothing and hairdos send you over the edge, of course.

It's on TCM at 1:15am tonight, which is technically tomorrow, but whatever. You can watch it then, or watch it over on YouTube right now!

Musty TV's Maniacal Movie Countdown - Day 4

I saw Videodrome when it was released in 1983, and I don't think thirteen was the best age to see it. Granted, I had seen a lot of weird horror movies by that point, but Videodrome is something else, and its inherent...sleaziness was just off-putting at the time. And because of that early dislike, I think I only ever watched it once more in ensuing years.

I'm gonna try and watch it again tonight at 11:10pm on Indieplex. Perhaps it will come off better when viewed with adult eyes...

Musty TV's Manical Movie Countdown - Day 3

Mystery of the Wax Museum isn't the one in 3D featuring Vincent Price and a paddle-ball. Instead, it's the original version that movie was based on. Released in 1933, it was also one of the first Technicolor movies, which at the time was just two colors. Lionel Atwill and Fay Wray star.

You can watch it at 5pm on TCM, or right here right now!

Musty TV's Maniacal Movie Countdown - Day 2

One of my favorite horror movies when I was a pre-teen was Creepshow, (and I will be talking about my experience seeing it for the first time over on my other blog Mulling Movies next month), and I've come back to it a lot over the years.

Of course, it being an anthology movie, I liked some of the stories better than others. I'd say order of preference is probably:

1) "The Crate" ("Just call me Billie, everybody does!")

2) "Father's Day" ("I want my cake!")

3) "Something to Tide You Over" ("You'd better hold your breath!")

4) "They're Creeping Up On You" ("What's the matter, Mr. Pratt? Bugs got your tongue?")

5) "The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill" ("Meteor shit!")

Watch it on IFC at 5pm and 9:30pm.

Musty TV's Maniacal Movie Countdown - Day 1

Welcome! Day one! Halloween! Woo!

I will admit I had never heard of the movie Tooth & Nail until this very moment. And I will also admit I am only listing it here because it stars Michael Madsen, and usually--usually--that's enough for me. Although in this case, I'm not so sure.

It's post-apocalyptic, and includes cannibals, and a mute little girl. In other words, not exactly the most original story ever told...

Watch it at 11pm on IFC.

The Countdown to Halloween Begins!

For the sixth year in a row, I am participating in the bloggy Countdown to Halloween, which means you should come back here all the damn time!

I will try my best to find something spooky for you to watch on TV every day throughout the month. Most of the time, it will be a movie, but I'll also be throwing in Halloween specials here and there.

Note: I live in San Francisco, so the listed showtimes will be Pacific time, and I may be listing stuff that is only viewable in the Bay Area...

I love, love, love October, and Halloween, and doing this. And I hope you enjoy it all too!

August Round-Up - 2012

August was crazy. I got a job!

I went back to Palm Springs.

I GOT A JOB!

OK, not all that crazy, but a lot compared to some other months this year.

Having a new job has made updating my blogs a little more of a challenge, and I'm going to make it even MORE of a challenge by, once again, taking part in the Countdown to Halloween starting tomorrow. Thirty-one posts in 31 days! Eeek! Talk about scary!

So, in the interest of getting the hell on with it, let's get the hell on with it.

Movies Seen: Ten, with three in a theater. Read my reviews!

Hope Springs

Robot and Frank

Lawless

Books Read: Nine. WHAT!? (Click through for reviews.)

Grow Girl by Heather Donahue

Rancho Mirage by Aram Saroyan

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl and Carol M.D. Wallace

Drop Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs

Mad Men Unbuttoned by Natasha Vargas-Cooper

Sybil Exposed by Debbie Nathan

The Moviegoer by Walker Percy

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Fancy Dinners Out: Six! There was celebrating!

Dinner at Wexler's, which was smoky goodness.

A return to the Bella Vista for some melt-in-your-mouth steak Diane. (Eventually I will upload the video of the preparation to Flambabes.)

Insanely good pasta at Farina.

Plus two dinners in Palm Springs: at TRIO and Spencer's.

Live Shows Seen: One, kind of. An afternoon Giants game that I guess was of some note because it was the day Melky Cabrera was suspended from the game. Since then, they went on to clinch their division to which I can only say: Melky who?

Shoes Bought: Two pair. These vintage gold stilettos, a steal at under six bucks. And these floral heels which look hideous but are actually awesome.