Trick R Treat

I can't remember the last time I saw a horror movie I liked this much. I mean, I watch a lot of them and like a lot of them, but I don't usually make a tradition out of watching them on a yearly basis. This one I will. Like the original Halloween, it's a holiday classic set around the aforementioned day. Unlike Halloween, this is an anthology film, like Creepshow, but with intertwined segments akin to Pulp Fiction.

It's set around a town in Ohio that loves Halloween and makes a big celebration out of it. The four stories (plus one bookend) are about a principal who has a dark secret, some kids who have a Halloween prank that goes wrong, a young woman (played by Anna Paquin--hotness!) who is in town looking for that special man and stalked by a stranger, and an old codger who is terrorized by a demonic trick or treater. All of the characters weave in and out of the other stories, often doing things that affect another one--such as the young boy from the story with the principal smashing all the pumpkins on a street, forcing the pranksters to look elsewhere for them. All of the stories work well and several have multiple payoffs, meaning that you might think it's at an end but are pleasantly surprised when there's more to come.

It's hard to believe that this was shelved for two years (it was completed in 2007). It's even harder to believe that this is a DTV release. The film is strong enough and fun enough that it could beat out the majority of the films out there in theaters right now, especially the horror ones. It's that good. A shame, really, as Warner Bros. really has a hit on their hands that's destined to become at least a cult classic, but could have been so much more. Rent this or buy this--it doesn't matter--as you'll be happy just to see it. Check it out, please. It's a moral imperative to support a film that is THIS good.

Zombie Apocquaman

Busy, horror filled weekend for me last Saturday and Sunday. The big event was going to Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary. If you're unfamiliar with it, you must live under a rock or not have a tv, as it is probably one of the biggest haunted houses around, featuring on shows like Ghost Hunters, MTVs Fear and others. The prison has a whole sordid history of its own, part of which they draw from for the attraction, which is made up of five separate sections that take you from admittance to the prison and onward. The cast is enthusiastic and play their parts well and the makeup is excellent as well. I had a good time and my wife and family got their chills and thrills as well. My only complaint is that the lines are rather long, and you'll spend a few hours in them easily, so be prepared to wait. It's worth it. In terms of the show, I wish they didn't use as many strobe lights and fog machines, but it didn't bother me much. Check it out.

Next up is Zombie Apocalypse. Not a movie or attraction, this is a Live Arcade game for the Xbox 360 that plays a lot like Robotron with the undead. You move with one stick and fire with the other. There are numerous types of enemies and just as many weapon drops to dispatch them with through seven unique areas and around 50+ levels, each getting harder and introducing new zombies and strategies to use. In addition to weapons, there are hazards you can kill zombies with by leading them/shooting them into such as chipper shredders, cremation ovens, turbines, helicopters and more. Simple, but addictive and you can play with three friends online or on your couch. I haven't tried the multiplayer but I can heartily endorse the single player version and can't wait to kill some undead with friends. For 800 points (ten bucks), I can think of worse things to spend it on. Hopefully they'll come out with a mall level to play on, which I think is the only thing sorely missing, maybe an island or an Etruscan tomb too.

Last but not least is the last part of the title. Namely, Aquaman. I've been working on a few Black Lantern figures for a Halloween GL display and he's the second one I've gotten about done. In fact, I was just doing some touch ups on him tonight. Add a ring and I'll be done. Then it's time for Superman and Martian Manhunter to join the fray. I might pick up a Firestorm DCUC to add to the army later, but for now I have my hands full. Pictures of him and Hawkman to come.